Long Island Tennis Magazine March / April 2025

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SPORTIME World Tour Rolls On Australian Open-Themed Event In Syosset

The SPORTIME World Tour continued its trek across the globe in 2025 as SPORTIME Syosset held a Melbourne-themed event in honor of the Australian Open this winter.

The event features players from all of the Sportime facilities and has an array of on-court games, as well as plenty to take part in off the court. This includes a bounce house, food, music and more to create a fun tennis experience for Sportime’s youngest players.

Parents are invited to be spectators on the court and are able to see how much progress their child has made during their classes and lessons at Sportime. The coaches first run out with the players onto the courts as all the parents cheer them on, and the

coaches then guide the players through different drills and games.

“The recent World Tour, Melbourne, at Sportime Syosset was a huge success, bringing young players together in a fun, competitive, and energetic atmosphere,” said Jared El-Gayeh, General Manager at SPORTIME Syosset. “Compared to the previous World Tour held at Sportime Port Washington, this event saw even more participation drawing players in from all over the Sportime community. It's been incredible to see how these events continue to grow, both in attendance and in the enthusiasm from players, parents, and coaches alike.”

The World Tour continues March 15 at SPORTIME Lake Isle with the theme being Indian Wells, and again

on May 3 at SPORTIME Kings Park for a Rome-themed event.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the World Tour is giving young players the chance to showcase their progress in front of their families and coaches. It's a unique experience that builds confidence, encourages sportsmanship, and highlights their hard work in a fun and friendly setting,” El Gayeh added.” Seeing the joy and pride on the kids' faces, especially when they pull off a great shot or win a key point makes all the effort worthwhile. Events like this reinforce the strong tennis community at Sportime and the impact of our developmental programs.”

To learn more about the World Tour, you can visit SportimeNY.com/WorldTour.

UOC RTS& COCKT SLIA

LITM Partners With Sunrise Day Camps For Play It Forward Tennis Event

Forthe second time, Long Island Tennis Magazine partnered with Sunrise Day Camp to host the Play It Forward Tennis event. The fundraiser, hosted at SPORTIME Roslyn, was held in the Courts & Cocktails theme and helped raise money to support Sunrise’s mission.

“Sunrise Day Camp is the world’s only full-summer day camp free of charge for children with cancer and their siblings,” said Bonni Gould, Sunrise’s Senior Director of Development. “Our mission is to bring the joys of childhood back to children affected by pediatric cancer,

providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment where they can simply be kids. In addition to camp, we offer year-round programs and inhospital recreational activities to support families throughout their journey.”

The night was filled with tennis games on the courts run by enthusiastic teaching pros while a DJ kept the energy high playing great music throughout.After the oncourt action was finished, there was an expansive catered food spread courtesy of Marinara Pizza. Everyone was able to mingle while

enjoying food and a wide selection of drinks served up by the event bartenders.

“Events like Saturday night are so important for raising money for Sunrise and bringing the community together in a meaningful way. It was an unforgettable evening—playing tennis, enjoying great food and drinks, and sharing amazing energy—all while supporting a worthy cause,” said Nikki Oheb, a Sunrise Day Camp co-chair. “It’s the kind of night people talk about for weeks, already counting down

to the next one. There’s something special about coming together for a cause like this, doing what we love, and knowing that every serve, every rally, and every moment on the court is making a real difference. It’s the perfect mix of passion and purpose, and we can’t wait to do it again!”

This was the second Play It Forward Tennis Event that Sunrise and Long Island Tennis Magazine put on. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and this event was able to raise close to $10,000 which will go towards Sunrise’s mission.“Participants loved that it was a fun night with friends,

all while supporting a great cause. It was an opportunity to connect, compete and make a meaningful impact—all in one evening,” Gould added. “Since it costs $7,000 to send one child to camp for a full summer, this event helped provide a transformational summer experience for a deserving family. We’re so grateful to our co-chairs, the Ohebs and Ramins, Marinara Pizza Roslyn for donating the delicious dinner, and everyone who participated and made this event such a success.”

Teaming up with Sunrise Day Camp to help raise money for its mission was the ideal way to utilize

the Courts & Cocktails event series, which have both helped to provide tennis-playing opportunities for young adults, and to do so while benefitting others.

David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine, added:

“We were proud to partner with the Sunrise Association and use our Courts & Cocktails event series to help those who are less fortunate. Everyone who participated had a great time and it was all for a worthy cause. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Sunrise Association, and helping to support their important mission.”

Eachyear, the USTA Eastern Section brings together the members and industry leaders from all of its regions for the Eastern Tennis Conference, an allencompassing weekend that features everything from workshops and clinics, to an awards dinner that honors those who made significant contributions to tennis in our Section.

This year’s event was held at the Saw Mill Club in Mt. Kisco, and provided invaluable experiences for all who attended.

“We were thrilled with how the weekend went,” said Jenny Schnitzer, USTA Eastern Executive Director & CEO. “First and foremost, we are very grateful to the team at the Saw Mill Club for their support in hosting our conference. When you are managing so many moving parts as you are with an event like this, it helps to work with partners who are as invested in the

USTA Eastern Welcomes In Members From All Regions For Annual Eastern Tennis Conference

outcome as you are. This event was a massive success in large part due to their warmth in welcoming us and willingness to go above and beyond as the weekend unfolded.”

That welcoming nature went a long way, and with the Conference being held at a centrally-located venue in the Section, it made for a better experience for all the attendees.

“We enjoyed holding the conference at a local tennis facility in our Section for the first time, and many

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of our attendees agreed considering the feedback we received,” Schnitzer added. “Given the venue we were able to develop a strong schedule that featured more on-court sessions, always the most-highly-rated sessions of our conference.”

Those sessions included a variety of topic including PTR-certified instructor Mauricio Doria Medina emphasizing the return of serve; Somadi Druker and Bob Bynum (college tennis), Jackie Clark (high school tennis), and Martin Miedzowicz (USTA and inter-club teams) talking about the power of collaboration, accountability and mutual support in building cohesive teams; and USTA Eastern Director of Adult Competition Susan Friedlaender and several adult league coordinators answering all questions related to Adult League Tennis.

On Friday night, a ceremonial dinner was held as USTA Eastern honors those who have made remarkable contributions toward growing and promoting tennis at the grassroots level. One of the highlights of the weekend was the inclusion of one of the best American tennis players of the last 30 years in John Isner, who was the keynote speaker, plus former Eastern standout and Top 150-ranked tour

professional Noah Rubin. Both of them provided the attendees with insights from their playing careers with Isner providing an on-court workshop, as well as the two sitting down for a in-depth conversation to discuss an array of topics.

“John and Noah added immense value to the event. John is an absolute pro and we honestly can’t thank him enough. He was unbelievably generous with his time—leading three sessions, posing for photos with all of our annual award recipients, and even playing a little red ball tennis with our guests,” Schnitzer said. ‘And we couldn’t be prouder of Noah, who incidentally was one of our junior sportsmanship winners back when he was a young player in our Section. We’re so grateful that he was able to come out to interview John in our final

session of the conference. He did such a fantastic job. One of my favorite moments of the entire weekend was when these two accomplished pro players reminisced about the time Noah’s shoes exploded on court while they were playing a match in Washington, D.C. You always hope that the people you bring in to lead sessions will really engage and delight your audience, and these two really delivered on that front.”

The weekend proved to be a huge

success, and with tennis continuing to grow both nationally and in the Eastern Section specifically, the Conference was the ideal springboard for what should be another great year of tennis here.

“We were thrilled to bring together providers from all across the Section to not only share ideas about how we can continue to grow, but also to celebrate them for everything they’ve already achieved,” Schnitzer concluded.

Ireadthe other day that it all starts with, “An attitude to train harder, harder and even harder.” It doesn't.

Tennis effort is like driving in the snow. With too little effort we go nowhere; with too much effort we spin our wheels and dig ourselves into a rut. It's the delicate balance of just the exact amount of effort at the right time, in the right way that ascends us.

It's the quality of our training that ensures the quantity of our efforts, and the quality and quantity of our results.

It all starts with a plan to train, smarter, safer and highly-targeted to the player's unique needs. It progresses with a desire and ability to follow this plan with optimism, perseverance and opportunism.

“An attitude to train harder, harder and even harder” without careful and skillful guidance is exactly why some players fail catastrophically. We can “will” players to fail we cannot will them to succeed. It's naive to believe that "wishes are fishes" when it comes to tennis success. It's very difficult to predict just how far a player can go but it's not that hard to predict negative outcomes:

• Talk about a player's talent and they won't tolerate failure very well.

• Fail to assess their physical , needs and capabilities before you train and you are firing a shotgun with a blind fold in the dark.

• Substitute volume for quality and you don't progress , you just reinforce.

• Harp on mistakes , and you teach

By Steve Kaplan

players to ruminate with anger from the past

• Harp on desires, and you teach players to project anxiety into the future.

So what you need to do is:

• Develop a plan that is a strong synergy to the players desires and goals.

• Ensure this plan is supported by the players family.

• Assess the players physical, functional, mental and emotional development before you progress.

• Prioritize safety, before performance.

• Learn from the past.

• Use what you have learned to prepare for the future.

Stay grounded in The Now and when the Future is now you will be well prepared for any and all challenges.

It all starts with a plan to train smart, smarter and even smarter.

Steve Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation, executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. and codirector of The City Classic Junior Tennis Academy. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationallyranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone on to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.

Madison’s Key

How the American broke through to win her first career Grand Slam title

By Brian Coleman

Even for the most talented people in the world, no matter the field or industry, selfdoubt is something that affects everyone. That is especially the case in a sport like tennis, when oftentimes, besides the opponent on the other side of the net, you are left with just your own thoughts and emotions to deal with.

For Madison Keys, turning to therapy helped her cope with those emotions and the conversations she was having with her inner-self. And the American was not interested in doing it necessarily to produce better results on the court, but to just guide her through a strange point in her life.

“I finally got to the point where I was personally low enough that I was like, I don’t really care if this helps me perform, I just want to feel better,” she confessed.

And while her reason for beginning therapy wasn’t exactly tennis-related, she has seen it manifest itself in a positive way on the court.

“For whatever, it was kind of just like this light bulb moment where I started really buying into [the idea that] I can be nervous and I can still play good tennis,” she said. “Those things can live together. So I stopped fighting, trying to push away the feelings and pretending that they’re not there, and just accepting them and really telling myself that they’re fine and they’re totally normal to be there, and I can still play tennis.”

That newfound mindset was a powerful one, as Keys was able to separate her selfworth from the wins and losses she produced inside the white lines of the court. She was overcoming a feeling she had since coming onto the tour and reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open as a teenager. From that point on, she had expectations placed in front of her both internally and externally.

“From a pretty young age, I felt like if I never won a Grand Slam, then I wouldn’t have lived up to what people thought I should have been. That was a pretty heavy burden to carry around,” she explained. “I finally got to the point where I was proud of myself and proud of my career, with our without a Grand Slam. I finally got to the point where I was okay if it didn’t happen. I didn’t need it to feel like I had a good career or that I deserved to be talked about as a great tennis player.”

continued on page 12

madison’s

from page 10

And the irony of all of it is, by playing freer, and without the burden of undue pressure on herself, Keys was able to achieve that Grand Slam dream. She earned the first major of her career at this year’s Australian Open by upending the two-time defending champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the final.

The major title came nearly eight years after she reached her first major final, a trip to the 2017 U.S. Open championship, where she fell to her compatriot Sloane Stephens.

“I’ve wanted this for so long. I made my very first Grand Slam semifinal here in Melbourne, so to now have won my first Grand Slam in the same place means the

absolute world to me,” said Keys in her on-court interview during the trophy celebration. “I have been in one other Grand Slam final and it did not go my way,

and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to get back to this position to try to win a trophy again and my team believed in me every step of the way…They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

That belief went a long way in the final itself, as Keys found herself in a tight contest with Sabalenka late in the deciding third set. Serving at 5-5, 30-30, Keys had to dial up one of her best shots of the entire tournament, returning Sabalenka’s heavy forehand with an even heavier one of her own for a winner.

It was the type of power that has been associated with Keys’ game, and was on full display in one of the biggest moments of not only the match, but her career.

“That’s kind of just how I want to play tennis. I’m not going to sit here and say that forehand at 3030 is going to go in all the time. It

might not. Sometimes it might go out, sometimes I might bury it in the bottom of the net. But sometimes it will go in,” she reflected. “If I can continue to try and do that consistently, then not only will good things happen but I’ll always walk away and be proud of myself, and that’s all I want at this point, to be proud of what I leave out there. That’s what I’m getting better at, being able to consistently be proud of not only my level, but my ability to problem-solve and be very aware of what’s going on.”

With her maiden title, Keys becomes the fourth-oldest first-time major champion, behind only Flavia Pennetta (2015 U.S. Open), Ann Jones (1969 Wimbledon) and Francesca Schiavone (2010 French Open), winning her first title just weeks shy of her 30th birthday.

Keys’ journey is proof that progress is not always linear, and just because you did not

immediately live up to the expectations people have for you it does not mean you are a failure. The next step is how will Keys build off of this. She is currently ranked seventh in the world, equaling her career high from 2016. She is well-aware of what she accomplished in January, and understands the result is not something that happens in a vacuum, and would not have been possible without all the other results, whether they were wins or losses, in the past.

“I’m so proud of myself, and I feel like the way that I won this tournament means so much more. The place that I am in my life, I’m able to actually really appreciate it,” she said. “Had I won it earlier, where I was in my life, I don’t know if it would have meant the same and I don’t know if I would have even been able to have done it.”

•

•

at the

Robbie Wagner net

By Brian Coleman

For over 30 years, Robbie Wagner’s Tournament Training Center in Glenwood Landing has been a training ground for many of Long Island’s most promising tennis players.

A key part of that legacy comes from Robbie Wagner himself, a coach and mentor who has dedicated his life to tennis and to helping generations of tennis players reach their potential.

His journey to club ownership was shaped by the experiences he

gained along the way, starting with his early days as a junior player.

“I started playing tennis at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with the sport,” Wagner recalls. “As my passion grew, I competed in satellite tournaments, which helped shape my understanding of the game and fueled my journey in tennis.”

Wagner played first singles for John Adams High School before continuing his collegiate career at Brooklyn College. As he progressed, he pursued professional tennis, competing on the satellite tour. It was during this time that he discovered a deeper passion for coaching and recognized the impact he could have in developing future players.

“The experience of competing at a high level was invaluable and laid the foundation for my coaching career,” he says.

Determined to make his mark in the industry, Wagner worked tirelessly, taking on multiple roles to gain experience and build his reputation.

“My first job in tennis was cleaning the courts at Howard Beach Tennis Club. I then worked as the Head Pro at County Estate Swim and Tennis Club in Roslyn

while also managing Roslyn Racquet Club at night,” says Wagner. “Eventually, I started renting courts at Roslyn Racquet Club in Glenwood Landing, where I ran a high-performance junior program for five years.”

Balancing 60-hour coaching weeks while managing a club at night was tremendously demanding, but Wagner’s dedication paid off. When a pivotal opportunity arose, he seized it.

“In 1997, Roslyn Racquet Club sold Glenwood Landing to me, marking the beginning of my journey as a club owner,” he says. “After two years of running Glenwood Landing, I had the opportunity to purchase the Glen Cove club, which expanded my business and coaching reach.”

The shift from coach to club owner and manager brought exciting new opportunities but also came with its challenges.

“One of the biggest challenges was managing the bubble courts at the Glen Cove location,” he explains. “Flooding from a nearby train station would leave the courts unusable for three to four days at a time. I worked with an engineer to redesign the sewer and drainage system. In 2000, I added two more bubbles, further expanding the

facility. Managing a larger club required an 80-hour workweek, but it was worth it.”

And so for the last three decades, Wagner has created an environment where top junior tennis players on Long Island can develop under his guidance. Playing a hands-on role in their development remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Over the years, he has developed a keen eye for spotting talent and describes what he sees as one of the common denominators that all top players have.

“Hard work, desire and dedication are the key qualities that set promising players apart. Talent’s important, but the willingness to put in the effort is what truly determines success,” he explains. “Seeing junior players develop and move on to college tennis has been the most fulfilling part of my career. My goal has always been to help young players reach their full potential. I’ve had the privilege of coaching top junior players who went on to achieve great success.”

In 2020, he and his partners purchased the former Sound Shore tennis facility and founded the

Westchester Tennis Center, one of the premier indoor facilities in Westchester.

He is part of an ownership group running a private, membership-only club in Southampton, offering tennis, pickleball and padel. Looking ahead, Wagner envisions further expansion of the club while continuing to elevate the experience for its members.

When he isn’t coaching or managing his clubs, Robbie enjoys going to the gym and playing poker with friends. He is proud of the fact that both of his children continued the family tennis tradition by playing college tennis.

“Most of all, I continue to enjoy coaching as it remains my true passion,” he says.

This passion has been the backbone of Robbie’s success for the last three decades, and he has no plans on stopping anytime soon. He loves what he does and remains dedicated to strengthening the tennis community.

“I will never retire—I will die doing what I love,” he says. “My goal is to continue helping junior players by giving them opportunities to succeed. The next major goal is to build a club in Florida and bring my experience to a new community beyond Long Island.”

Specializing In Sports Court Construction "Expanding the game of tennis one court at a time."

A Look At The Mental Side of Tennis

Sometimes,as a tennis player, you exist on an island. Alone, solo, under the lights of your local club or drenched in the sun, there you are … between the lines, either gaining the accolades of glory hitting the winning shot or facing the weight of defeat. There are no teammates to pass to; no backup in case you throw a bad pitch or have a bad shift; no defense to pick you up after the offense turned the ball over…it’s just you who must deal with the adversity of this individual sport.

Mental toughness is what gives top players a competitive leg up over the opposition. Training one’s mind to deal with nerves, anxiety and quickly move onward past mistakes can be the difference between being crowned “champion” and “finalist.” These individuals help players focus, find their groove and enter the zone to success. It’s the ability of the player to quickly get back on track once rattled that can make the difference between bowing out in the first round of a tournament or hoisting the trophy at the end of the day.

Long Island Tennis Magazine was fortunate enough to sit down and chat with two prominent experts in the field of sports psychology to pick their brains and gain insight into their role as one of the most vital members of a tennis player’s support staff.

Dr. Tom Ferraro is a sport psychologist with a Ph.D. from SUNY Stony Brook, with more than 25 years of experience working with professional teams, coaches and Olympic athletes across a broad range of sports. Dr. Ferraro is a board-certified psychoanalyst, which allows him to properly diagnose and treat the symptoms an athlete may bring to his him and help them understand any underlying reasons for self-defeat. He has been published internationally and has been featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, and is a regular contributor to this publication.

Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is the founder of Inside the Zone Sports Performance Group. Rob is author of 4 best-selling books including: Tennis Inside the Zone, Pickleball Inside the Zone, Golf Inside the Zone and Baseball Inside the Zone. All books are available on Amazon. Rob actively plays Tennis, Pickleball, Table Tennis and Beach Tennis and loves the “Spirit of the Swing.”

Do you think playing other sports in addition to tennis can help your players avoid stress/burnout?

Ferraro: Of course! Cross training is good for the mind as well as the body

Often times the young competitive tennis player will enjoy the fun and carefree environment of a second sport. In today’s world, the young elite tennis player is grinding and feels pressure in every tournament so experiencing the fun of sports in a second endeavor is good for the body and the mind. However, if the young player is obsessive/compulsive, perfectionist and a workaholic then they will treat the next sport in the way they treat tennis and will grind away once again. This can lead to injury or burnout. Parents can help the young player by having a fun loving attitude towards the second sport and helping the athlete to translate the fun attitude to tennis.

How do you teach someone to focus on the present point rather than dwell on past points, whether they won or lost the previous point?

Polishook: Firstly, I would discuss with my client that the definition of focusing or concentrating is the choice to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. When a player understands that they have the choice to focus on the present, they begin to realize that they have control over the moment. Secondly, I would divide a piece of paper or word document in half; on one side the player can make a list of what they can control,

ROB POLISHOOK TOM FERRARO

things such as: effort, attitude, adaptability, making a choice and more. Then I would help them work through what’s uncontrollable; things such as the past, the outcome, the opponent, seeding and more. Lastly, I would explain, now that they understand what they can and can’t control, if they want to play in the moment, they need to make the choice to do so. They can also do exercises like breathing, creating between point rituals and somatic exercises to stay present.

Do you recommend players visualizing future success? How important is that in preparation for a match?

Ferraro: Visualizing success is crucial to winning in tennis. The more a player thinks about victory the better they will play. There is new research out of Stanford University that suggests ‘manifesting’ victory is useful. When working with athletes, negative thinking is an exceedingly common thing to see and the cause of the negative thinking is crucial in addition to creating a positive mind set.

How would you advise someone who is playing a match against a “weaker” opponent? On the inverse, how would you advise if they are playing against a “stronger” opponent?

Polishook: I would explain to my client that Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and other top players don’t get caught in the trap of looking at matches or opponents this way. No matter who they play, their job is to focus on “What’s Important Now” (ironically, W.I.N). If they look through the lens of W.I.N., they will shift their focus to three things: First, focusing on the challenge not the threat of a match; second, focusing on competing and not expectations of a match; and third, focusing on what they can control and letting go of what they can not.

Why don’t quick fixes ever last?

Ferraro: Every athlete on earth wants a quick fix and they all eventually realize that quick fixes do not work. They have all been exposed to behavior techniques like deep breathing, goal setting, positive self talk and visualization techniques. But every one of them soon realize that the quick fix that worked so well yesterday seems to evaporate into thin air the next day and they are back to square one. The process of learning anything that is difficult requires three things. One needs techniques, a guide and a community to support this process. This is similar to the Three Gems of Buddhism which calls for the practice of meditation, the guidance of a guru and a community of like

minded people that practice their craft over time. Depth sport psychology is similar to this by emphasizing regular visits in order to slowly uncover insight with the help of a trained psychoanalyst. This produces ego strength, confidence and the ability to bounce back from mistakes as insight into the unconscious is discovered. Quick fixes sound great in theory but in reality they rarely last more than two days. Real growth of the mind is like real growth of the body. It takes a pretty long time to acquire these skills and a long time to get to the top of the mountain. But in the end, the effort is worth it.

What would be a good book for my child to read on tennis? I have to recommend Tennis Inside the Zone. Now…full disclaimer, I wrote it! However, it is a unique book because the book talks about specific experiences junior players encounter and specific questions they may ask before, during and after matches. Questions such as: Oh my god…I’m nervous what do I do? Or how do I get the Mental Edge? Or How to Tame Negative self talk? Or I’m Better, How Did I Lose? Each chapter asks and answers a specific mental question and allows the player to journal/answer questions around their specific experiences. It also includes top quotes, ideas and principles from the pros and how they manage the mental game.

By Brian Coleman

spotlight Junior Player

Tiffany Cai

SPORTIME/JMTA

Duringthe COVID-19 pandemic we saw a massive increase in tennis participation. With many places shut down and social distancing becoming a top priority, tennis became the ideal activity.

Tiffany Cai, a young girl from Syosset, picked up a racquet for the first time, playing tennis with her family and quickly found a passion for the sport.

“I first began playing when I was eight-years-old. My family started playing together because it was Covid and everything that we could do had to have a six-foot social distance in between us,” Cai recalls. “We were so lucky that in our community there was a tennis court and so we decided to pick up a racket and play.”

From there, Cai had caught the tennis bug. Soon after, she joined group programs at SPORTIME, and began going through the progression of learning the sport and becoming a better player.

While she also participated in other sports such as dance, swimming and ice skating growing up, doing dance and swimming competitively while ice skating recreationally, tennis became her passion.

“I love tennis because when I’m playing a match, in the end, it’s all about me,” she said. “It’s all about me making the decisions, giving myself pep talks, and not anybody else. I love that I can be independent and have fun during the process. I also love it so much because when you’re by yourself, you can experiment what you want to do with the ball. Unlike dance which is a set perfect performance, tennis is always changing and isn’t the same everyday so you can find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. I also love what there are so many things to learn and take in because it’s just so much fun learning something new like a slice and practicing it in my game.”

Cai is now 11-years-old and has been playing within the SPORTIME and John McEnroe Tennis Academy programs for the last four years, and as a result, has seen her tennis take a massive step forward.

The all-encompassing training regimen at JMTA has allowed her to see where she stands against other top players her age, as well as provided her an environment to thrive.

“Playing at JMTA is super fun. We play up and down games, and do effective drills, plus there are also so many great players

to compete with,” she said. “I have been playing at SPORTIME from when I first started to play. There are fitness classes to help improve your physicality, in addition, the fitness room can be used as a stretching room which is perfect for after I train.”

Cai’s game is anchored in her strength and aggressiveness with her groundstrokes as she hits the ball with more power than a lot of her peers. She hits a two-handed backhand which she says comes naturally to her, and is always looking to improve her game, and embracing the process of getting better. She takes great pride in her mental toughness which is something she is always looking to elevate.

“I also think that I have a great growth mindset that can help me be tough. I try to improve on my emotion control in practices.”

Her primary coach at JMTA, Mario Leguizamon, said:

“Tiffany brings passion and determination to the court, always pushing herself to improve and play her best game both physically and mentally.”

Cai takes a lot of inspiration from her tennis idols, which include the Williams Sisters and Coco Gauff. But perhaps her biggest tennis idol lives under the same roof as her, and that’s her mother, Shasha, with whom she began her tennis journey during the pandemic.

Shasha has since embarked on her own tennis journey, becoming a highlevel player on adult league teams even after only starting to play a few years ago. She recently competed in the TriLevel final at the USTA Eastern Sectional Championships, and together, her and Tiffany are able to bond over their shared love of the sport.

“My mom and I play tennis together a lot. She encourages and helps me get better. She really inspires to work harder, and is always able to point out what I didn’t do well at a tournament so we can then work on it,” said Tiffany. “Since she plays lots of USTA League matches, she can understand and relate to the feelings I have and the difficulties that come up during matches. When I am confused or struggling at something, her and I can analyze that together.”

Tiffany even recalls a specific moment recently when she was frustrated with the way she was playing in a match during a tournament. That was when her mom walked up to her and offered her some much-needed words of advice.

“She told me, ‘It’s fine, it’s the first time you are playing at night on the weekend and you are in a different location,’” Tiffany recalls. “Afterwards, I played better and better. It’s just like she always tells me, tennis is the ‘adapt, adjust and repeat’ game.”

Those were valuable words of wisdom and ones that Cai takes with her whenever she practices or plays matches, and will continue to reinforce that mantra as she progresses in her tennis career.

“Tiffany is not only an extremely talented and driven tennis player, her coachability is off the charts,” said Jay Harris, Director of Tennis at SPORTIME Port Washington. “She has the ability to absorb coaching tips with incredible focus, and that makes her an absolute pleasure for any of our coaches that have the opportunity to be on court with her!”

When she isn’t playing tennis, Cai enjoys traveling, writing and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid food lover and spends a lot of time cooking, to the point where she joined a cooking club at her school.

But those interests take a backseat to her love of tennis which remains the top priority in her life. She is excited to continue her ascent into becoming the best tennis player she can possibly be.

“I hope that I can keep playing tennis for a long time and achieve more than my abilities. One of my present goals is to win one of the big under 12 titles like the Junior Orange Bowl. In the long-term, I want to become a college player and even have the chance to turn pro one day. I hope that I can go on to win many Grand Slams and become a famous professional player!”

SassyLI: Discover The Perfect Bag

Whether it’s pickleball or tennis, SassyLI has a bag for you

Born and raised in New York, Lisa Fuchs’ tennis journey would classify her as a late bloomer.

From an early age, she was involved with dance and fitness, and that would later evolve into spin, and she eventually opened up her own Spin Studio.

But after discovering tennis later in her life, Fuchs was hooked. She immediately fell in love with the sport, and as she says: “I now live and breathe tennis, tennis and tennis!”

Fuchs had spent her professional career working in sales with some of the top fashion companies in the world, and through these client relationships she formed, she developed a real sense of fashion and style. But even more important, was recognizing and appreciating the secret of these organizations was that they were able to make women feel as good as they looked. So with that in mind, she decided to combine her business acumen with her passion for tennis to launch her own tennis bag brand, and SassyLI was born. The first bags were purchased right here on Long Island by Advantage Tennis in Westbury, and have become popular ever since.

The Sassy Li Royal Blue Bag is a lightweight tennis bag that offers a good amount of space for players on the go. Featuring high-tech features and boasting a fresh perspective on style, this bag is built for durability and premium functionality. You can easily organize your belongings with the

backpack, which has room for two racquets, a zipper pocket to store cell phones, two side pockets to keep water bottles or tennis balls, and changeable velcro straps. With ultra- padded adjustable straps and a cool modern look, you’ll be traveling comfortably as well as in style!

Built from the highest-quality materials, the Ultimate White Bag is a modern solution for players seeking years of durability, all-day capacity, and keen pocket organization. The bag is well customized to store two tennis racquets or your laptop when not in use on the court. The additional storage compartment includes a zipper pocket to store cell phones, two side pockets to keep water bottles or tennis balls, and changeable Velcro straps.

The SassyLI Ultimate White Bag is made from 100 percent down quilted polyester that will persevere through years of training and tournament travel.

The Pickleball Sling Bag is large enough to carry six pickleball paddles, and is made of a special light weight and durable material. The main compartment offers more than enough space for pickleballs, golf shoes, tennis shoes, etc.

Built in pockets for keys, cell phones, and the side bottle holder. The adjustable strap allows you to wear the bag tight or loose. Peace, Love Pickleball.

For more information and to see more bags, visit SassyLi.com, or contact lili@SassyLI.com or 888808-3664.

2025 Long Island Boys’ High School PREVIEW

Asthe cold winter chill begins to thaw and the temperatures start to warm, the spring brings with it another season of boys’ high school tennis here on Long Island.

LI is home to a number of top tennis players and teams, which makes for exciting and competitive action. And last season was no different.

In 2024, the Syosset Braves continued its recent run of dominance, winning the Nassau County Large School title and the Long Island Large School title, before advancing to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHAA) and winning the Large School State championship for the second straight season. In the Long Island Small School final, the Nassau champions Friends Academy defeated the Suffolk winners from The Ross School. In the Individual Championships, Herricks’ Samarth

Syosset won its second straight New York State title in 2024, and will be on the hunt for a third this season

Deepudass won the Nassau Singles title while the Braves’ Devan Melandro & Nikhil Shah won the Nassau Doubles title. In Suffolk County, Ross School’s Eduardo Menezes brought home the Singles title, while Commack’s Eric Benderly & James Yu would win the Doubles title. The Suffolk County runners-up in doubles, Harshith & Shashank Pennabadi, rebounded from their defeat in the county finals to win the State Doubles Championship.

As we approach the spring, it’s time to look ahead to this season. Below are some of those teams and players to watch for in Nassau County and Suffolk County, as well as the season’s key dates.

*All names, dates and locations are subject to change. Be sure to check LITennisMag.com for the most up to date information on all things high school tennis.

Nassau County Teams to Watch

Syosset

The biggest question heading into this season is whether or not Syosset can pull off a three-peat. The Braves have dominated the New York tennis scene for the last several years and will be in search of its third consecutive state title later this spring. They possess the roster capable of achieving that goal. Despite losing three doubles starters to graduation, much of last year’s lineup returns with their eyes on playing into early June when the State championships are played. That includes the aforementioned Melandro and Shah, as well as Aayan Mehta, the three players that will anchor the singles lineup. Depth will once again play a major role for Syosset, as doubles players such as Grayson Prince, Jacob Prince, Terrence Moy and Veyd Trivedi will be back to bolster a Syosset lineup mixed with veterans and young talent.

Roslyn

The Bulldogs of Roslyn could once again be the biggest threat to Syosset’s hope of another county title. The squad reached the county final a year ago and will be out to take their season at least one step further in 2025. Leading the way will be senior captain Ethan

Solop, a county singles finalist who finished fifth in the state championships last year, and stands to be one of the top players in New York. Roslyn also returns juniors Bartek Dziedziach and Brian Toh, as well as sophomores Ollie Samter, Jake Klein and Darren Shen, and with a deep lineup full of playoff experience, Roslyn will be out to bring home the county title.

Jericho

Jericho is a team that has the potential to compete with anyone in the county, and aims to make a deep playoff run later this spring. Its lineup consists of both

Ethan Solop returns to Roslyn for his senior season

upperclassmen and underclassmen, and that mix could be the recipe for success. It includes senior Anish Pylla, sophomore Nicholas Chin, and freshman Preston Wang, who will create a formidable singles trio. In addition, players such as Jeevan Bindra, David Barzideh, Brad Safir, Wyzer Concepcion, Hiroto Honda and Caleb Kao will bolster a deep and talented lineup that will look to put together one of the Jayhawk’s best seasons in recent years.

Manhasset

Led by top singles player Max Golubenko, Manhasset has its sights set on county supremacy in 2025. Golubenko was the third-place finisher in the county individual championships a year ago and will anchor a Manhasset lineup filled with experience. That includes seniors Jairus Bo and Lucas Duckstein, junior Jason Chan, as well as freshman Jayin Aggarwal. If Manhasset can get the bottom part of its doubles lineups to step up with key contributions, it will become a difficult team for anyone to face, and makes them a legitimate contender for postseason success.

Wheatley

Three years ago, Wheatley won the New York State Small School team title, and has its hopes on returning to that stage this season. Helping with that cause will be Saje Menon, who was on that team as an eighthgrader, and after taking a couple years away from high school tennis, returns for his junior campaign. Joining Menon will be senior Aaron Rayhan, junior Joshua Mizrahi and sophomore Leil Agajan, all of whom will create a deep lineup ready to compete against the top Long Island teams.

Port Washington

Port Washington reached the county finals back in 2023, and while they were unable to repeat that success

a year ago, the Vikings are primed to make a deep run this spring. Leading the way in that fight will be a trio of juniors, Anton Perfiliev, Ollie Navo and Tyler Finkelstein, players who all have varsity experience and will assume leadership roles this spring. Incoming freshman Anthony Venters will provide young talent and add depth, all of which combines to make Port Washington a contender this year.

Additional Nassau County Players To Watch

• Will Bohner – Friends Academy

• Samarth Deepudass – Herricks

• Patrick Kana – Oceanside

• Luke Lastique – Baldwin

• Cooper Schorr – Lynbrook

Nassau County Key Dates

• Thursday, April 3 – Nassau County Regular Season Begins

• Wednesday, May 14 – Wednesday, May 21 – Nassau County Playoffs

• Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 18 – Nassau County Individual Championships

• Monday, June 2 – Long Island Large School Team Championship

• Tuesday, June 3 - Long Island Small School Team Championship

• Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8 – New York State Individual Championships

• Friday, June 13: New York State Small School AND Large School Team Championships

Christopher Morley Tennis offers year round Juniors and Adults tennis programs for all levels. Summer Camps, Holidays Mini-Camps and Tournaments, Fitness, Special events and more.

Max Golubenko finished third in the Nassau County Individual Championships a year ago

2025 long island boys’ high school preview

continued from page 55

Commack

Suffolk County Teams to Watch

Each of the last four years, the title of Suffolk County Large School Champions has resided in Commack, with the Cougars holding that distinction since 2021. With much of its roster from last year’s county championship team returning, Commack hopes to go further this year and will be led by its top singles player in senior Eric Benderly, who is joined by fellow seniors Jeffrey Behar and Danny Strogach. In addition, Jayson Krauthamer and Evan Vieira, two all-league players from 2024, bolster a lineup that has its sights set on a Long Island and State Championship.

Ward Melville

The team that Commack beat in the Suffolk final a year ago was Ward Melville, who came up just one court short of moving into the Long Island Championship itself. The Patriots will be back with a vengeance and will be led by senior Shashank Pennabadi, who is coming off a state doubles title with his older brother, Harshith, a year ago. While Harshith has since graduated, Shashank will take on the role as a team leader and anchor a lineup ready to compete with the county’s best, and that lineup includes the likes of sophomore Aidan Thomas, junior Kevin Dong and senior Jacob Zilberstein.

Connetquot

The Thunderbirds were one of the last eight teams remaining in the Suffolk County playoffs a year ago, and are determined to advance further than that as we head into the 2025 season. Connetquot has a deep and experienced roster which will help them achieve that goal, a lineup that includes seniors Luke Plana, Michael Boneta and Francisco Arenas, as well as juniors Gavin Gagliardi and Alek Itskovich. Their depth and experience will make Connetquot a team capable of going deep in the playoffs, and coming off of a 12-3 regular season record in 2024, they have high expectations for 2025.

Hills East

Most teams coming off of a 12-2 season and a trip to the final four would be happy with that result, but for Hills East, the expectations are higher. And this spring, they will look to play for a county title. The team will rely on its depth up and down its starting lineup to come away with wins, and that depth is led by its top three players, seniors Lohit Madisetty and Sam Stein, and junior Tommy Walsh. In addition, players such as junior Noah Rabinowitz, Masood Khwaja and Kaeri Mukora will do their part to make an impact.

The Ross School

Leo Carmo is only a freshman but has years of varsity experience for The Ross School

A year ago, Ross School came up just one court short of claiming the Long Island Small School Championship, and advancing to the State Championships. One year later, their goal is to take the next step. Leading the way in that chase for a Long Island title is freshman Leo Carmo, who has playing varsity since he was a seventh-grader, and reached the State Individual Championships in doubles last season. In addition to young talent like Carmo, the Ravens will bring back seniors Nicolas Sanchez and Alex Frohlich, as well as juniors Jagger Cohen and Teddy Brodlieb.

Eric Benderly will look to add a fifth straight county title for Commack

Shashank Pennabadi will be back to try and lead Ward Melville to a Suffolk County title

Bayport-Blue Point

A year ago, Bayport-Blue Point reached the finals of the Suffolk County Small School tournament. In 2025, the Phantoms have expectations to win one more match than it did last year, and bring home the county title and play for the Long Island Championship. Leading the way will be Shane Duerr, the team’s senior leader who has been a top singles player in Suffolk for years. Fellow senior, Matthew Decatur, will aid in that quest atop the singles lineup, as will juniors Jefferson Swan, Dominic Linzie and Luke Jensen. With a formidable singles lineup, Bayport-Blue Point has a great chance to get back to the Small School finals, and hopes this year’s result in that match will be different.

Suffolk County Players to Watch

• Ishaanth Reddy Guduru – Smithtown West

• Ray Hidaka – Shoreham-Wading River

• George Racz – Northport

• Tucker Stanton – Port Jefferson

• Brody Surbeck – Harborfields

• Giancarlo Volpe – Westhampton Beach

Suffolk County Key Dates

• Monday, March 24 – Suffolk County Regular Season Begins

• Wednesday, May 7 – Suffolk County Playoffs Begin

• Saturday, May 10 – Tuesday, May 13 – Suffolk County Individual Divisional Championships

• Wednesday, May 14 – Suffolk County Small School Championship

• Saturday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 20 - Suffolk County Individual Sectional Championships

• Thursday, May 22 – Suffolk County Large School Championship

• Monday, June 2 – Long Island Large School Team Championship

• Tuesday, June 3 - Long Island Small School Team Championship

• Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8 – New York State Individual Championships

• Friday, June 13: New York State Small School AND Large School Team Championships

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In the well-known parable, a group of blind men encounters an elephant for the first time. Each touches a different part of the elephant's body and draws conclusions based on their limited experience. One feels the trunk and believes the elephant is akin to a snake. Another touches the leg and perceives it as a tree. A third touches the side and insists the elephant resembles a wall. While individually valid, their fragmented perceptions fail to capture the entire truth.

As a tennis parent, have you ever contemplated the following: How accurate is my assessment of my child's progress? Could there be gaps in my understanding? What factors might I be relying on that are not entirely reliable? Am I unconsciously leading myself astray? Is my perspective

What Do You Perceive as a Tennis Parent? The Fable of the Blind Men and the Elephant

By Eldad Campbell

fundamentally flawed? Why isn't my child achieving the anticipated success? Have I overestimated my ability to select the right coach? Could my coach have an inflated perception of his expertise, with his past accomplishments attributable more to luck than skill? And, perhaps most critically—why have I never questioned these things before?

This reflection challenges deeply held beliefs, using the Blind Men and the Elephant as a metaphor to uncover potential misconceptions, biases, or valuable insights within your reasoning regarding tennis training, tournament performance, and coaching. The goal here is to inspire a deeper level of critical thinking—perhaps even prompting you to reassess certain longstanding assumptions that could be limiting your child's success.

The Parent as the Blind Man: Which One Are You?

The Snake: Misrepresenting Success

Imagine being the parent who grasps only the elephant's trunk and hastily concludes it is a snake. In tennis, this manifests when unwavering commitment to training, countless sacrifices, and a handful of tournament victories create the illusion of deep expertise. Yet, in reality, this superficial certainty and limited perspective may be leading you astray. You may feel confident that your child is on the right path, bolstered by the prestige of having the "best coach" on Long Island, but have you honestly considered the bigger picture? Is this truly the height of your child's potential? Could their current achievements merely mark the foundation rather than the summit? Might you be misinterpreting their progress, drawing conclusions that obscure deeper truths? If you fail to ask these vital questions, you risk settling into a deceptive comfort zone—where success solidifies a misleading sense of accomplishment instead of fostering deeper introspection.

The Tree: Entrenchment in Rigid Beliefs

Now, consider the parent who touches the elephant's leg and perceives it as a tree—deeply rooted in an unwavering belief system. After a string of tournament victories, you see your current methods as infallible. "My child is winning Level 4 tournaments," you tell yourself, "so we must be on the right track." Pursuing growth becomes secondary as you settle

into a fixed mindset, convinced that your approach is optimal. However, like the snake, the tree highlights the dangers of a distorted sense of stability. What seems like a secure foundation may be a rigid framework that prevents adaptability. By refusing to consider alternative methods, fresh insights, or evolving strategies, you risk stalling progress rather than accelerating it.

The Wall: Barrier of Isolation

What if you are the parent who touches the elephant's side and insists it is a wall? Perhaps past experiences— disappointments with coaches, conflicts with other parents, or frustrations with club administration—have led you to build defensive barriers. You no longer seek external perspectives, relying solely on your current coach or personal convictions. This isolation may feel like protection, but in reality, it limits growth. By refusing to engage with diverse viewpoints, you inadvertently trap your child within a narrow path, stifling

opportunities for broader development. Sometimes, such skepticism is justified. However, when information flows from only one source, it can create a closed system where neither you nor your child can benefit from outside wisdom.

Reevaluating the Tennis Journey

This thought pattern extends beyond coaching selection—it applies to tournament planning, training schedules, on-court mentality, and long-term athletic development.

• The Snake (Illusion of Success): "My child is winning, so we must be doing everything right."

• The Tree (Rigidity in Conviction): "We've found a winning formula; no need to change."

• The Wall (Isolation from New Perspectives): "We trust our system; outside opinions don't matter.” Most parents only begin questioning their assumptions when things start unraveling—by then, it may be too late.

The key is proactive self-examination, not reactive realization.

Perceiving the Elephant: The Path to True Understanding

The snake, the tree, and the wall represent obstacles to a holistic understanding—but they also offer a pathway to growth. Recognizing the deception of partial truths (snake), embracing flexibility in thought (tree), and dismantling resistance to insight (wall) allow for a complete perspective. Ultimately, true enlightenment lies in awareness, adaptability, and connection. Only by acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge and pursuing a deeper, unfiltered understanding—rather than clinging to fragmented perceptions, resembling the blind men who misconstrue the nature of the elephant’s part—can we fully appreciate the richness of the tennis journey and unlock the greatest potential for our children. So, as a tennis parent, what do you truly perceive?

Eastern Long Island volunteers learned from tennis greats including John Isner and Long Island’s own Noah Rubin and celebrated some of their own at the USTA Eastern Conference and Annual Awards in January.

During the conference portion of the weekend, Isner demonstrated various tennis drills with Long Island high school tennis player Sofia Perez.

Honored for their outstanding commitment to tennis in the Eastern Section were:

Thakur, Manager,

• Lauren Norris: Courage Award

• Roger Rubin (Newsday): Press Service Award

• Gigi Banks: USTA League Award

• Linda Bracco: Louise Cilla Award

• Stephen Green: Eastern Regional Award for Long Island

Photos from the Eastern Conference and Awards Dinner can be found on Play Tennis Long Island on Facebook.

Mike Pavlides, Regional Director

Jonathan Klee, Past Regional Director

Sunny Fishkind Tito Perez

Jason Wass

Randi Wilkins

and

Isner hits with Sofia Perez

Isner and Rubin at the Eastern Conference

From left: Linda Bracco (Louise Cilla Award), Gigi Banks (USTA League Award) and USTA Eastern Long Island Regional Director Mike Pavlides

USTA Eastern Long Island Region Upcoming Tennis Events on Long Island

TheUSTA Eastern Long Island Regional Council is planning several programs and events for the local tennis community in the next few months and through the summer. They include:

March 15th: 2nd Annual Better Together Tournament for High School Tennis Players

For the second year in a row, USTA Eastern Long Island, Sportime Port Washington/JMTA Long Island and Advantage All Tennis Foundation will host the “Better Together” Tennis Tournament for high school tennis players. All proceeds will go to the Roslyn Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for members of the Roslyn High School tennis community in memory of Drew Hassenbein & Ethan Falkowitz. Advantage All Tennis Foundation was founded as an NJTL (National Junior Tennis and Learning) in 2023 with the goal to empower and inspire the next generation through tennis.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 5:00-7:30pm at Sportime Port Washington, 100 Harbor Rd. The event is a flighted team tournament based on level and will include both singles and doubles play. Each team must include a minimum of three male and three female players; participants must be a member of a Long Island middle or high school tennis team. However, individual players can sign up and Advantage All will place them on a team. The cost is $40 per player and includes tennis competition,

prizes, food, games and more.

Last year, the event’s first, saw more than 150 middle and high school tennis players from across Long Island participate and the event raised more than $5,000 for the Roslyn High School Scholarship Fund.

May 3rd: Special Olympics

USTA Long Island Council volunteers are looking forward to assisting at the Special Olympics Spring Games North on Saturday, May 3rd at Plainedge High School. Details to follow.

June: Tennis Fun in the

Park

As it has done in the past, the USTA Long Island Council will host Family Tennis Days at Nassau and Suffolk County locations this May and June. More information will be available later this spring.

July and August: Summer Kids’ Fun

Along with its partner Long Island Tennis Magazine, the USTA Long Island is looking forward to its annual Kid's Day Tennis events this summer, tentatively scheduled for July at LuHi Camp (Nassau County) and August at Island Quest (Suffolk County).

For details on all events, please follow Play Tennis Long Island on Facebook, USTA Eastern on Instagram and www.longisland.usta.com.

UOC

Saturday Night Courts & Cocktails

Helps Spread Joy of Tennis To Benefit A Great Cause

WhenLong Island Tennis Magazine launched its Courts & Cocktails event series in 2021, the goal was to not only use them as a way to raise money for charity, but also provide a fun tennis event that motivates adult players to play more themselves.

That was just the case on a snowy Saturday night in early February, with a sold out group of players coming out to partake in a Courts & Cocktails at SPORTIME Port Washington.

“The turnout and feedback from our Courts & Cocktails events continue to reinforce the obvious need for social

tennis options and professionally run events,” said David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine. “We love being in the community and bringing players of all different levels together. We target adults looking for a fun way to meet new people, exercise, play tennis and give back, but the events are open to anyone looking to get away from the monotony of typical Saturday night plans and have a more active weekend evening.”

The players are broken up into multiple courts, all of which are run by a different teaching professional. All

the while, music is playing, and drinks are being served, as we create a fun and lively atmosphere combining tennis action with a social feel.

The tennis play is level-based, and is designed to make all players feel comfortable, while sharing a good time with their spouses or friends, and also provide a great opportunity to meet new players as well.

The events serve as a way to benefit all aspects of the tennis community, from providing more work opportunities for the teaching pros, to helping fill vacant court time at the host clubs, and reinforcing the

players’ passion for tennis, which leads to them playing more outside of Courts & Cocktails events.

At the end of the tennis portion of the night, an expansive catered dinner spread is put out for the players to enjoy, wrapping up the event with great food, drinks and people.

We are looking forward to continuing this mission to provide exciting playing opportunities all while raising money to benefit the community.

“Our events showcase all we love about tennis, from the competitiveness to the social side and the fun both on and off the court with likeminded people,” Sickmen added. “And we embrace using these events as a way to fundraise and help those less fortunate through

partnering with multiple charitable organizations.”

The next Courts & Cocktails will be

held in partnership with the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in the spring.

Guide to the Top Tennis Camps

Guide to the Top Tennis Camps

Atlas Tennis

Director: Ben Shapiro l Ben@Atlas.tenis (914) 462-6406 l atlas.tennis

Atlas Tennis creates 2-3 week, once in a lifetime experiences in Europe for teenage tennis players of all levels to train, compete in tournaments, get immersed in different cultures, make new connections, and explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Each trip departs from New York and travels to 2-3 different countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, where players will compete against locals in tournaments and organized matches, with many of the results counting for UTR and/or WTN.

Different itineraries are available for a range of players, from nationally ranked juniors preparing for USTA Clay Courts, to high school and sectional tournament competitors, to those newer to the game. The only requirement is an excitement about exploring new countries through a passion for tennis and travel!

Players will have the opportunity to train and compete mainly on European red clay, which is excellent for development thanks to the slower pace and emphasis on patience, point construction, and footwork.

Off the court, in addition to team bonding and socializing with the European players we meet, our trips also feature

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

sightseeing excursions like a day at Wimbledon, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Our trips can also be perfect for those considering college tennis. Our practices are run college-style, with live ball drills and high energy, and most of our staff are current or former college coaches or players. Our staff also provides guidance and help with the college process, from identifying schools to connecting with coaches.

Each trip has approximately 10-15 players and 2-3 professional coaches and chaperones who are with the group 24/7 to ensure their safety and supervision. Each coach passes an extensive reference check and background screening, and must complete CPR/First Aid and USTA SafePlay compliance certifications.

All the logistics are taken care of by our experienced staff, including flights, accommodations, meals, transportation, tournament registrations, and court bookings.

Atlas Tennis was founded by a respected and experienced group of influential tennis executives. The group includes:

Eric Butorac, Senior Director of Business Development and Player Relations at the US Open and 2014 Australian Open Men’s Doubles Finalist

Megan Mouton-Levy, Vice President at Junior Tennis Champions Center and Vice President of the USTA Board of Directors. Former top-50 WTA Player.

Andrew Chmura, President of Grand Slam Tennis Tours.

Sam Duvall, President of Topnotch Management, agent of pros including John Isner, Caroline Garcia, Reilly Opelka, and more.

Ben Shapiro, Director of Atlas Tennis, former NCAA Champion and ITA Coach of the Year at Wesleyan University

For additional info including trip details and FAQs, visit our website at www.atlas.tennis. To learn more, contact Director Ben Shapiro at Ben@Atlas.Tennis or call (914) 462-6406.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Bethpage Park Tennis Center Summer Tennis Camp

99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Building #4 l Farmingdale, NY (516) 777-1358 l BethpageParkTennis.com

The 2024 Bethpage Park Tennis Center Summer Tennis camp begins Monday June 23, 2024 and runs through Friday August 22, 2024, with consecutive one-week sessions throughout the summer.

Camp begins each day at 10:00 a.m. with warm-up and fitness, and continues with instruction and drills with our top level staff. We take a break for lunch from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m, and camp resumes after break and continues until 4:00 p.m. We welcome campers to bring or order their own food and drinks.

The morning session is tennis-only and will run from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., while the afternoon session will give campers the option of tennis or pickleball each day from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

We have four indoor, air conditioned hard courts, four indoor air conditioned red clay courts and two outdoor Har-Tru courts so that players can learn and train on a variety of surfaces and conditions, and play is guaranteed: Rain Or Shine. For over 40 years, the summer program has provided the best learning and training environment to develop more top level Student-Athletes than any program on Long Island. Our record of development with our long time students include 20 players ranked #1 nationally by the USTA. Our record is unrivalled and unprecedented for a single facility that is not a massive academy. We know that summer plans of our students don't always fit perfectly into our camp schedule. We are flexible and we can adapt a program that fits tournament, vacation and the other activities that many of today's students engage in.

Contact us for an application form or call us at 516-777-1358 for more information and to reserve your spot today. Enrollment is limited so act soon!

Carefree Racquet Club

1414 Jerusalem Avenue l North Merrick, N.Y. (516) 489-9005 l CarefreeTennis.com

Summer Camp For All Ages

BETHPAGE

PARK TENNIS CENTER

Where can you find a junior summer sports camp highlighting the excitement of competition, high energy, structured instruction and plenty of all around play time? At Carefree Racquet Club, complete with seven air conditioned indoor tennis courts, two half court basketball courts and four pickleball courts.....that's where! At Carefree's Summer Camp, the staff encourages the social and healthy aspect of loving sports just for the fun of it.

The junior camp, for all ages, runs Monday-Friday, June 30th - August 22nd from 1-5pm.

Led by Director Luis Vivas, a typical day at camp consists of stretching and warm ups along with tennis, pickleball, and basketball as well as other sports and activities both on and off the courts.

The Red Ball Camp, for children 10 & under, runs Monday/Wednesday/Friday, June 30th - August 22nd from 9am-Noon.

Led by Kristen Cassidy, a typical morning consists of warm ups along with tennis, pickleball, and multisport instruction and games. Contact CarefreeTennis@gmail.com, call us at 516-489-9005, or visit Carefreetennis.com for more information and to sign up!

STEVE KAPLAN’S

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Centercourt

Tennis Academy High-Performance Full-Time Academy & Elite Camps Of fered Weekly, Annually and for Specific Periods required

Chatham l Florham Park l Gillette l Drew University l Marlboro l Just 25 miles from Manhattan (862) 308-3029 l Centercourtcta.com l Conrad@Centercourtclub.com

Our commitment to Excellence at Centercourt Tennis Academy has earned our reputation as the Toughest Playground in the Northeast. With a passion for Elite Player Development and with a dedicated HighPerformance Team as well as our multiple World-Class facilities from Indoor and Outdoor Clay & Hards to our Strength and Conditioning Institutes.

Our players experience Only the Best in Competitive Training and an array of Tournaments and Events in one Academy.

Based just 25 Miles from Manhattan Players come from International as well as the Tri - State area. We offer Additional Homestay and Transportation Options upon request.

The Centercourt Tennis Academy Points of Difference

l Attention to detail allows athletes to improve in multiple dimensions: Technical, Tactical Fitness, Emotional & Mental

l Centercourt’s list of events including USTA, ITA & official UTR tournaments provide opportunities for athletes to compete weekly and improve UTR ratings quickly.

l Centercourt is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each one of our players. We use cutting edge technology for Match Play Analytics, Mental Toughness Training & SMAP Video Technical Analysis with our resident Biomechanist

l Centercourt puts the needs of the player first, in a development-focused model of training. Our Partners offer Medical, Rehab and Prehab services as well as Nutritional and Sports Dietetics.

l Athletes are grouped in level by UTR; featuring small group training, match play, individualized fitness plans, Mental Toughness Training and On the Spot video analysis.

l Our Environment shows our commitment to develop players Holistically - we believe in shaping people from the Inside Out and guide our team in our Team based Academy setting.

In addition to the High Performance Tennis Camp, Centercourt Chatham, offers the best summer camps in the area, providing skill-building, active fun, and memorable experiences for kids all summer long. Choose from its exciting Ninja Adventure, Tennis, Combo, and Explorer camps tailored to every age and interest! The camp runs from June 9 through August 29.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Chris

Lewit Tennis Academy

Manchester, Vermont l (914) 462-2912 l ChrisLewit.com l Chris@ChrisLewit.com

Why Train at CLTA?

No Rainouts—Ever! Train seriously in the picturesque Green Mountains of Vermont with indoor courts on-site.

Join elite coach Chris Lewit at the Chris Lewit Tennis Academy (CLTA) Summer Camp, a high-performance sleepaway and day camp designed for serious players. Train in a natural paradise while receiving world-class coaching in small groups, directly from Chris—one of the top junior development coaches in the U.S.

Chris has personally developed multiple juniors to #1 national rankings and has coached numerous top 10 U.S. players, many now competing on the pro circuit. A leading expert in technique, biomechanics, and Spanish training methods, Chris is the author of Secrets of Spanish Tennis and is currently pursuing an advanced degree in kinesiology and biomechanics.

l Ages 8-18 | From serious beginners to nationally and ITF-ranked players

l Day camp or full boarding in a charming Vermont inn

l Exclusive use of CLTA Vermont—a private club featuring:

l Outdoor red clay courts

l Indoor hard courts (rain or shine!)

l Gym, yoga studio, and clubhouse

l Majestic river for swimming and 50 acres of scenic nature

Elite Training with a European Influence

Chris has spent the last 20 years studying in Spain and Europe with legendary coaches. He is the only U.S. coach certified in three distinct Spanish methods:

l Toni Nadal Method (Rafa Nadal’s uncle and longtime coach)

l Bruguera Method (Developed by Luis Bruguera, father of two-time Roland Garros champion Sergi Bruguera)

l William Pato Álvarez System (The foundation of Spanish high-performance training)

CLTA’s unique hybrid training system combines these Spanish influences with modern sports science and biomechanics, ensuring players receive cutting-edge instruction.

More Than Just Tennis

l Character and mindset training inspired by Toni Nadal

l Daily yoga & mindfulness with a certified master instructor

l Injury prevention program overseen by an NSCA-certified strength coach from NYC

l Onsite UTR tournaments held every weekend for campers

Train Year-Round!

In addition to our summer camp, CLTA offers:

l Holiday and school break camps throughout the year

l Year-round training with boarding, available for both short-term and long-term stays

Train with one of America’s leading coaches in an elite, small-group setting—and take your game to the next level!

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Christopher Morley Tennis

500 Searingtown Road l Roslyn, N.Y. l (516) 214-1900 CMTTennis.com

The Christopher Morley Tennis Camp 2025 will run from July 1 to August 30. Our coaching philosophy is centered around the belief that every child has the potential to become a successful and confident tennis player, and is based on these key principles:

1. Focus on Fun and Learning. We believe that tennis should be an enjoyable experience for children. By making camp sessions engaging and fun, we can motivate young players to learn and improve their skills. We also focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment that encourages children to explore and develop their abilities.

2. Tailored Instruction. Every child is unique, and we understand that different players have different learning styles and needs. Our coaches take the time to understand each child’s strengths and weaknesses as we tailor our instruction to help them maximize their potential. We also provide individualized feedback and support to help each player reach their goals.

3. Emphasis on Fundamentals. We prioritize the development of fundamental skills such as footwork, hand-eye coordination, and racquet technique. By focusing on the basics, we help children build a strong foundation that they can build upon as they progress through the sport.

4. Focus on Character Development. We believe tennis can be a valuable tool for building character and developing life skills such as perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork. We emphasize the importance of these values in our coaching approach and use tennis as a vehicle to help children develop into well-rounded individuals.

Overall, the Junior Tennis Camp is committed to providing a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters growth, learning, and fun. As part of our tennis program philosophy, campers will benefit from the integration of our conditioning program and multi-sport activities. The importance of the multi-sport program, in addition to the tennis program, is that it allows our campers to play and learn different skills.

In our Multi-Sport program, our campers will play team games like basketball, volleyball, soccer, kickball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, and many others. This Multi-Sport program is a fantastic opportunity for campers to work together as a team and, at the same time, integrate with different kids they may not be with on the tennis courts, allowing them to start new friendships that will last for years.

A conditioning program is essential for tennis players. It helps to improve overall fitness and performance on the court. Tennis is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of speed, agility, power, strength, and flexibility. Our program is designed to help our players develop these physical qualities and enhance their ability to perform at a high level for extended periods. Run by outstanding and high-energy trainers, we can guarantee our campers will come out feeling the impact and benefits of a great workout.

You can sign-up weekly, and prices are based on the number of weeks your child will attend. Tennis Directors Ricardo and Salomon are on-site and supervising 100 percent of the time to make sure your child is having the best experience possible!

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

CourtSense Tennis Training Center at Bogota Racquet Club

(home of the High Performance program)

156 West Main Street l Bogota, N.J. l (201) 366-2898

CourtSense at Tenafly Racquet Club (Home of the Performance program)

195 County Rd. l Tenafly, N.J. l (201) 254-5836 Cour tSense.com l Info@CourtSense.com

With CourtSense, you’ll achieve your personal best, because our training is of the highest professional caliber and easily tailored to suit your age and skill level. We use tennis as a vehicle to teach life lessons by tapping into the spirit of every player, with lots of passion, expertise and character. Students have access to 17 outdoor and 16 indoor tennis courts, so regardless of the weather conditions the players are guaranteed their practice sessions.. High Performance Summer Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club. This camp is geared towards High Performance Tournament and high-level High School players for UTR level 4 and above and age group 11 and older. CourtSense has trained and is currently training players who have become ATP- and WTA-ranked players, U.S. Olympians, as well as many college scholarship athletes. CourtSense’s International High-Performance Coaches, in collaboration with the fitness staff and a sports psychologist, have developed a program that maximizes all athletes’ strengths, both on and off court.

l Full Day High Performance Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club runs from Monday-Friday, June 23Aug. 22 (nine weeks), featuring 10 hours of tennis training; 5 hours of fitness and 8 hours of match/point play) for players ages 11 and older, and UTR level 4.00 and above. Campers will have access to outdoor and indoor hard and clay courts, with a 3:1 student-to-coach ratio. Weekly dual matches with other academies, and mental toughness training are also included, along with daily/weekly journaling of activities. Evaluation is required prior to enrollment. Transportation service between locations is provided.

l Full Day Performance Tennis Camp at Tenafly Racquet Club runs from Monday-Friday, June 23-Aug. 22 (nine weeks), featuring 8 hours of tennis training; 4 hours of fitness and 6-8 hours of match/point play) for players ages 8-12, and UTR level under 4.00. Campers will have access to a premier and very unique facility where they will be able to experience playing on all grand slam surfaces (European red clay, grass, hard court), with a 3:1 student-tocoach ratio. Mental toughness training is also included. Evaluation is required prior to enrollment.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Eastern Athletic Club’s Summer Camp

Multiple locations across Long Island EasternAthleticClubs.com l EACTennis@yahoo.com l EACJrTennis@gmail.com

Eastern Athletic is family-owned and is one of the New York’s original and finest indoor tennis and fitness facilities, offering tennis camps during July and August. With two locations in Suffolk County to accommodate the ever changing needs of our clientele, Eastern Athletic has 12 Nova Ultra cushion indoor tennis courts, seven racquetball courts, and much more.

Eastern Athletic’s Camps are directed by Laurie Tenney Fehrs at Dix Hills and Gary Gaudio at Blue Point and the very talented tennis staff that are committed to helping their students be happy and successful in all aspects of their lives. Eastern Athletic Tennis Camps integrate strength and agility training, drill sessions, group lessons and match play. Eastern Athletic offers camp from two hours up to five hours per day, for one day up to eight weeks.

In addition, Eastern Athletic has one of the best performance training programs, integrating tennis with athletic performance programs. All of their programs are offered year-round in a climate-controlled tennis facility. Eastern Athletic has produced some of the top tennis players on Long Island under the direction and supervision of Laurie Tenney Fehrs, Gary Gaudio and their renowned tennis staff. Eastern Athletic has programs for juniors and adults of all ages and level of play, and is confident they have something for you.

To find out all about what Eastern Athletic has to offer, visit EasternAthleticClubs.com. For more information and to join the growing family, e-mail EACTennis@yahoo.com, EACJrTennis @gmail.com or visit one of Eastern Athletic’s locations:

l EAC in Blue Point, 9A Montauk Highway, Blue Point, N.Y. (631) 363-2882

l EAC in Dix Hills, 854 East Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills, N.Y. (631) 271-6616

Ed Krass' 37th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp® & Clinics

(813) 684-9031 l CollegeTennis.com

Coach Ed Krass’ 36th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp & Clinics, for ages 14-18, are taught exclusively by head college coaches who will work with you on-court to improve your singles and doubles match play strategies and provide college recruiting advice. Instructional drills and match play competitions will be conducted in the same style and intensity as a college team practice. Coach Krass’ camps are still the world’s only tennis camps taught exclusively by all head college coaches!

The two-day College Tennis Exposure Camp will be offered at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla., SaturdaySunday, May 31 – June 1; Massachusetts Instiute of Technology, Cambridge, M.A., Saturday-Sunday, June 28 - 29; Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., Saturday-Saturday, July 12 - 13; Mercer County Park Tennis Center, Windsor, N.J., SaturdaySunday, July 19 - 20; Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT; Saturday-Sunday, July 26 – 27.

Coach Ed Krass, Founder and Director of College Tennis Exposure Camp & Clinics, has coached varsity tennis teams at Harvard University, Clemson University and the University of Central Florida prior to founding the College Tennis Academy. For more information, call Coach Krass at (813) 684-9031 or visit CollegeTennis.com. Look for more camp locations at CollegeTennis.com.

l May 31 - June 1: The USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS, LAKE NONA, FL.

l June 28 – 29: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Ma.

l July 12 – 13: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

l July 19 – 20: Mercer County Park Tennis Center, Princeton, N.J.

l July 26 – 27: Wesleyan University, Middletown, Ct.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Evert Tennis Academy

10334 Diego Drive South l Boca Raton, Fla. l (561) 488-2001 Ever tAcademy.com l Evert@EvertAcademy.com

The Evert Tennis Academy is located in sunny Boca Raton, Fla., and is considered by many as one of the best tennis camps in the country. John and Chrissie Evert set out to continue their father’s legacy 22 years ago by installing core values: Excellence, Resilience, Integrity and Leadership. “Our core values are the roadmap to coaching every student-athlete towards reaching their full potential.”–John

Evert

Evert Tennis Academy clinics will focus on technical development, tactical training and competitive settings. Players will experience a typical Evert program that includes tennis lessons, strength and fitness conditioning, mental conditioning and competitive match play against players from all over the world. Players will get a coach’s evaluation during their stay here to review at home.

Top four reasons why to attend this summer (Monday-Sunday, May 26-Aug. 17):

1. Coaches/program: Our coaching staff continues to put a program together that is second to none. Each program is designed so that each player will get the personalized attention needed to improve his or her game while having fun. Whether you are an intermediate player looking to fine tune your game or a high-level nationally ranked player we have the program for you.

2. Facility/boarding: Evert Tennis Academy is one of the only academies to provide boarding services for any student wishing to stay only steps away from the courts. Its eight-acre facility provides a safe environment nestled in the beautiful and secure Mission Bay residential neighborhood, surrounded by lakes, manicured lawns and lush Floridian foliage.

3. Competition: The Evert Tennis Academy provides match play for each student every day and all levels are welcome. Although the tournament schedule is not yet confirmed, we normally host three UTR tournaments throughout the summer for any player looking to get match play prior to the Clay Court & Hard Court Nationals, Zonals or just get access to players of equal playing level.

4. Family Oriented and Personal: The Evert Tennis Academy in known worldwide for a family oriented atmosphere and a place where players enjoy both on-court training and off-court activities. Students that choose the Developmental Program will receive a tailor made personalized program that is second to none in the industry.

5. Location: Located in the beautiful town of Boca Raton, Fla., the Evert Tennis Academy is located only a few minutes away from the beach and only 30 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports making it an easy trip from the northeast.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Extreme Tennis Academy

@ Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center (MARJCC) 18900 NE 25th Avenue l Miami, Fla. 33180 l (786) 290-1546 (Freddy) l (786) 290-1546 (Carlos) ExtremeTennisAcademy.com

Extreme Tennis Academy Summer Camp 2025 is the best place for you to take your tennis game to the next level this summer!

At Extreme Tennis, we are coaches, trainers, and counselors not a tennis factory. We are not committed to building tennis players but athletes and great individuals. We coach players that learn discipline not just how to play the game of tennis to just hit the ball, but by putting together the right components to reach every individual's goals, such as the high school team, a university scholarship, or professionally.

Camps are available for kids eight-years-old and older. The High Performance Tennis Camp is run by Freddy Azucey and Carlos Maehama and their dedicated staff of top coaches.

Azucey is a PTR & Competitive Junior &Professional development coordinator, Dominican Republic Davis Cup, Former ATP/ITF Circuit Player who faced opponents such as Hernan Gumy & WayneFerreira among others, and helped develop Junior and Professional Players such as: Eddie Herr Winner Roy Lederman (USA) #1 National, Gabriela Paz (VEN) Top 10ITF and US Open Junior Finalist, Adriana Perez (VEN) ITF 21, Sofia Melikishvili (GEO) WTA 250.

Maehama is an Academy Director, PTR International tester – former Japanese Junior team Traveling Coach & National Coach, USTA Junior Team Tennis Coordinator (North Miami Dade), and has helped develop numerous College and Junior players, as well as Finalist of French Open Mariano Puerta, PTR International Tester, is also fluent in Japanese, Spanish, and English. Housing is available for players traveling to the camp. Sign up by May 31 to receive 20 percent off. Come train with the best tennis camp in South Florida!

Visit ExtremeTennisAcademy.com for more information, see you on the courts!

Game Set Match Tennis Academy

384 Mark Tree Rd. l East Setauket, N.Y. 11733 l (631) 682-4079 vtapr@hotmail.com l lihrestauket.com

The 2025 Game Set Match Tennis Summer Camp provides a unique tennis training opportunity for youth at Long Island Health & Racquet Setauket. Running from June 30th to August 29th, the camp features fullday sessions from 9 AM to 3:30 PM and half-day options until 12 PM. A unique Split Camp format is also available, combining morning tennis drills with an afternoon filled with diverse recreational activities.

The camp caters to a range of skill levels with specialized programs for Kids 10 & Under, Middle School, JV Varsity, and High Performance players. Each program is designed to enhance technical and tactical skills tailored to the specific needs and potential of different age groups.

Training is led by a distinguished team of bilingual coaches (fluent in English and Spanish), including former ATP and Davis Cup players who bring a global perspective and a wealth of professional experience to the academy. These coaches are adept at working with young players to refine their skills, fostering an environment of excellence and growth.

Facilities at the camp are extensive and adaptable to all weather conditions, featuring 9 indoor air-conditioned Har-Tru tennis courts, 7 outdoor tennis courts, and 7 air-conditioned indoor pickleball courts. High-performance athletes benefit from training on both Har-Tru and hard court surfaces, ensuring a well-rounded development and readiness for various competitive scenarios.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, allowing for personal dietary preferences to be easily accommodated during the camp sessions. This flexibility contributes to a comfortable and personalized camp

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

experience for all attendees.

Game Set Match Tennis Academy is not just about tennis; it's a community where campers are considered family. It is the best place to have fun, improve tennis skills, and build long-lasting friendships. The track record of the camp speaks volumes, having guided numerous young players from introductory levels to becoming Division I, NCAA college athletes, and NY state champions. This legacy of success underscores the camp's commitment to not just training but truly transforming young athletes into formidable players on and off the court.

For those looking to maximize their summer with high-quality tennis training and engaging activities, Game Set Match Tennis Summer Camp at Long Island Health & Racquet is the destination of choice. Detailed information and registration options can be obtained by contacting Tito Perez, Tennis Director, at +1 (631) 682 - 4079

Gotham Tennis Academy-Montauk

91 South Fulton Drive l Montauk, NY 11954 l (631) 267-8525

GothamTennis.com l Info@GothamTennis.com

Gotham Tennis Academy’s newest location in the Hamptons, Gotham Montauk, is on a beautiful nature preserve just minutes from the center of Montauk, its famous beaches, parks, restaurants and other attractions.

Gotham Tennis Academy is now taking bookings for its popular spring and summer offerings in the Hamptons, including:

l Gotham Montauk Sports and Tennis Camp

l Home lesson packages throughout the Hamptons

l Private tennis parties

l Lesson packages, leagues, clinics and court rentals

To enroll now or for more information, please call (631) 267-8525 or send an e-mail to Info@GothamTennis.com.

Ask about multi-week and early-bird packages!

At Gotham Tennis Academy, we are passionate about teaching tennis. From beginners to rising stars, Gotham’s PTR-certified pros are experienced in teaching the fundamentals, while stressing sportsmanship, hard work and fun.

Hampton Racquet Club

172 Buckskill Road l East Hampton, NY 11937 l (631) 324-0297 admin&hamptonracquet.com l HamptonRacquet.com

At Hampton Racquet, we ignite a lifelong love for tennis and all racquet sports in players of every age and skill level. Our vibrant, inclusive atmosphere is designed to help campers build athletic skills, boost confidence, and foster a passion that endures for a lifetime.

Camp Programs

Game On (Ages 4–8)

A dynamic, fun-filled program that builds essential skills through engaging games—ideal for young players who are new to tennis or have 1–2 years of experience.

l 4–5 years old: Red ball

l 6–8 years old: Orange ball

Development (Ages 9+)

A comprehensive program that hones technique, strategy, fitness, and mental strength. Campers also explore a variety of racquet sports, including tennis, pickleball, beach

tennis and padel. Campers are grouped by age and skill level to ensure they receive the most effective coaching and development.

Every camper is an official Hampton Racquet member! When you enroll in our camp, you automatically unlock full club membership benefits, including, Access to the Spa, Court Rentals, Clinics & On-Site Restaurant (open Monday–Friday), Family Inclusion: Campers can invite their parents as their special guests, so the whole family can share in our dynamic club experience.

This exclusive membership is only valid while enrolled in camp, ensuring that both campers and their families enjoy premium, integrated sporting and leisure experiences during their active camp enrollment.

Our camp experience goes well beyond the court. Campers enjoy a rich mix of activities designed to complement their tennis training: Racquet Sports: Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, & Beach Tennis, Fitness: Ninja Bootcamps and other energizing sessions, Creative Arts: Arts & Crafts activities, Mind Games: Chess challenges

Balanced, nutritious meals are prepared daily on-site by our expert kitchen staff, ensuring campers have the energy they need for an active day.

l Pre-Camp: Begins on June 2

l Summer Camp: 8 action-packed weeks from June 16 through August 8

l Post-Camp: Additional activities from August 11 through August 29

We offer a Half-Day Camp with a snack included and a Full-Day Camp with lunch & snack included.

John McEnroe Tennis Academy Summer Tennis Training Camps

Locations on Long Island including the Hamptons, in Manhattan and Westchester:

JMTA New York City l SPORTIME Randall’s Island l (212) 427-6150

JMTA Long Island l SPORTIME Syosset l (516) 364-2727

JMTA Long Island l SPORTIME Port Washington l (516) 883-6425

JMTA Hamptons l SPORTIME Amagansett l (631) 267-3460

JMTA Westchester l SPORTIME Lake Isle l (914) 777-5151 Camps@Spor timeNY.com l SportimeCamps.com/JMTA

No one knows junior tennis training better than SPORTIME! And, with multiple tennis camp locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in New York City and Westchester, aspiring tennis players can enjoy John McEnroe Tennis Academy and SPORTIME tennis training programs throughout the region, this summer.

SPORTIME’s and JMTA’s innovative tennis training approach is rooted in competitive games, underpinned by technical development and tennis-focused athletic training. We present tennis so that players quickly develop an understanding of winning tactics and learn skills that help them achieve their goals, all in age and level- based groups.

Our more advanced juniors receive enhanced training to prepare them for the physical, mental and emotional demands of match and tournament play. SPORTIME’s international coaching staff is dedicated to turning weaknesses into strengths and strengths into winning games.

Our younger players work through clearly defined stages of development that make it possible for kids to start to construct points and play tennis from early in their tennis journeys. With our unique “gamification” approach, junior players don’t just take lessons—they go on missions, acquire skills, collect points and achieve milestones.

Campers also enjoy instruction and competition in a variety of team sports activities that help to enhance their coordination and athletic skills.

Visit SportimeCamps.com to find the SPORTIME EXCEL or JMTA Summer Tennis Training Camp nearest you, or e-mail Camps@SportimeNY.com to find out more. Programs vary by location.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

LuHi Summer Programs

131 Brookville Road l Brookville, NY 11545 l LuHi.com

LuHi Summer Programs offers a premier tennis experience for players of all levels, but also so much more! Located on a scenic 32-acre campus in the heart of Long Island's North Shore, LuHi Summer Programs has been the home and camp choice for thousands of Long Island children for 60 years. We provide a fun-filled learning experience in a variety of sports, educational, and recreational programs to bring out the best in each of our campers. With over 20 diverse programs to choose from, campers from all across Long Island and NYC find their home here at LuHi Summer Programs.

Foster personal growth, team spirit, and perseverance in one of our varied Athletics programs designed to challenge and motivate athletes to be their best. Inspire curiosity, spontaneity, and independence in our diverse Arts programs designed to nurture creativity and expression. Spark new passions, hobbies, and friendships with well-rounded Recreation options to suit all learning styles and interests. Galvanize tomorrow’s makers, creators, and innovators with science and technology options in our STEM division that drive experimentation and investigation.

If all four of these programming areas sound right for your child or they just want to try them all, they may yet find their home in LuHi Country Day, where action, adventure, and discovery await them! A culmination of LuHi’s culture, LuHi Country Day offers a safe & structured environment where campers are encouraged to engage in new experiences, form friendships, and most importantly, have fun!

With so many offerings, families have the opportunity to customize their summer based on their schedule and child's varying interests. The day-camp format also allows children to experience all of the best parts of camp during the day and spend time with their families during the evenings and weekends. Professionals in their specific field direct each LuHi program, providing experiences that educate, enrich, and inspire each child. We hope to welcome you to the LuHi Family for Summer 2025!

Robbie Wagner’s Tournament Training Center

60 Sea Cliff Ave. l Glen Cove, NY 11542 l (516) 759-0505 rwtennis@hotmail.com l www.rwtt.com

Why choose RWTT Summer Camp?

Whether you're starting out as a beginner eager to grasp the fundamentals or an experienced player seeking to elevate your skills, RWTT Summer Tennis Camp promises an enriching experience. From expert coaching to fun drills and matches, it's a great way to spend your summer honing your tennis abilities while enjoying the outdoors and meeting new friends who share your passion for the sport. Plus, the summer camp environment often fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship, creating lasting memories and friendships.

For the past 25 years, RWTT has organized highly successful summer camps. We provide exceptional instruction led by expert coaches, ensuring a perfect blend of learning and play in a supportive atmosphere that fosters both growth and enjoyment.

Whether your aspirations lean towards college competition, securing a spot on your varsity team, or benefiting from top-tier coaching, RWTT tennis camps cater to youth players with diverse goals.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

The Daily Program Includes:

l Dynamic warm-up exercises

l Drills emphasizing shot/stroke refinement, tactical decision-making, and movement

l Competitive play

l Strength and conditioning sessions

We offer both High Performance and 10 & Under Tennis Camps, granting campers access to cutting-edge indoor and outdoor tennis facilities.

The high-performance camp is tailored for individuals aiming to excel in National and International Tournaments. It's also ideal for those looking to participate in middle school, high school, college tennis, and beyond. Additionally, it welcomes players of all levels who are committed to reaching their maximum potential on the court.

The 10 and Under tennis camp is designed specifically for young players who are starting their tennis journey. It focuses on age-appropriate techniques, skills, and drills to help children develop a strong foundation in tennis while having fun. The camp provides a supportive and engaging environment where kids can learn the basics of the game, improve their coordination, and foster a love for tennis from an early age.

Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with teamwork, competition, and unforgettable fun!

Camp options: Full day & Half-day, Weekly & Daily. Lunch is provided at an additional cost.

For further inquiries, please contact the club at rwtennis@hotmail.com or call 516-759-0505. For online registration, visit https://blumecustomer.com/cmportal/rwtt/login.

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

Ross School Tennis Center and Ross Summer Camp

20 Goodfriend Drive l East Hampton, NY l 631-907-5162 ross.org/tennis l tenniscenter@ross.org

Ross School Tennis Center (RSTC) is a beautiful tennis facility in the Hamptons that is open to the public and located on the Ross Upper School campus in East Hampton, NY. The tennis center features six Har-Tru courts that are enclosed by a bubble from mid-fall through mid-spring, allowing for year-round play. There are also two hard courts for junior tournament training. The courts are directly adjacent to a state-of-the-art Field House, featuring amenities such as locker rooms, lounge, snack bar, and ping-pong tables. The staff here provides a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows for the greatest amount of success.

Summer Tennis Training

Monday–Friday, June 23–August 15: From specialized U10 programs with orange and green dot balls designed for developing competitive tennis players to our high-performance training with live ball drills and match play series, this 8-week all-encompassing summer program is our most intense and complete junior tennis education offered.

Players considering this program should be serious about their commitment to tennis, consistently practicing at least two days per week year-round. All training in each age and development level includes daily fitness and match play components.

Players can sign up for this program weekly, but space is limited. Tryouts are required (videos accepted). Visit ross.org/summer for more information.

SPORTIME Summer Tennis & Sports Camps and John McEnroe Tennis Academy Training Camps

Locations across Long Island, in Manhattan and Westchester and in Schenectady:

SPORTIME Roslyn l (516) 484-9222

SPORTIME Schenectady l (518) 356-0100

SPORTIME Syosset/JMTA Long Island l (516) 364-2727

SPORTIME Harbor Island Westchester l (914) 777-5050

EHSC@SPORTIME Amagansett l (631) 267-2267

SPORTIME Volleyball Camps l (515) 731-4432

Camps@SportimeNY.com l SportimeCamps.com

SPORTIME Amagansett l JMTA Hamptons l (631) 267-1038

SPORTIME Bethpage l (516) 933-8500

SPORTIME Hempstead Lake l (516) 282-7222

SPORTIME Kings Park l (631) 269-6300

SPORTIME Lake Isle l JMTA Westchester l (914) 777-5151

SPORTIME Lynbrook l (516) 887-1330

SPORTIME Port Washington/JMTA Long Island l (516) 883-6425

SPORTIME Quogue l (631) 653-6767

SPORTIME Randall’s Island/JMTA New York City l (212) 427-6150

“Last year, I had the best summer ever!” Who said that? Every kid who attended a SPORTIME Summer Camp last summer! That’s because at SPORTIME summer camps, our staff of teachers, coaches and counselors makes sure that every camper has a positive and memorable experience. SPORTIME knows how to make camp fun and safe!

How does SPORTIME do it? Our experienced, enthusiastic and caring staff members are skilled at providing camp

2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Camp Guide

programming that is challenging, innovative and educational, all at facilities that are state-of-the-art, safe, and easily accessible.

From preschoolers to pre-teens, kids who enjoy tennis, sports, friendship and fun love coming to SPORTIME summer camps. With camp programs tailored to every age group, at locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in New York City and Westchester, we’ve got your summer covered!

Go to SportimeCamps.com to find the perfect camp for your child, or e-mail us at Camps@SportimeNY.com for personal assistance. We are here to help!

Programs and facilities vary by location.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Flushing Meadow-Corona Park l Flushing, N.Y. l (718) 760-6200 l NTC.USTA.com

The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center will once again offer funin-the-sun tennis day camps starting in June. Enrollment will soon be available online for the weekly programs: Please note that the camp will be held both indoors and outdoors this summer.

June 2025 - August 2025

We offer summer camps for all ages and levels from 10 and under tennis to recreational juniors to high-performance players. Space may be limited so register early.

The weekly full-day program runs Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break or a twilight session from 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Campers work on the development of tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, multi-sports, and strategy geared toward maximizing the learning experience in a fun presentation.

As the juniors develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. Tennis activities include Stroke of the Day, team games, and competitive match play.

The camp also offers cross-training activities, such as soccer, softball, and basketball and other multisport training activities. Along with many fun activities on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we also offer on site spirit days, talent contests and other on site activities designed for camper involvement and team building. The program accepts junior players, ages four- through 10-years-old for the 10 & Under programs.

Recreational players 11-years-old and up are enrolled in the Junior Camps (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.). Advanced High-Performance Tournament training campers will also be invited to participate in an intensive Tennis Academy training program.

The National Tennis Center has 18 outdoor courts, 12 indoor courts, and four stadium courts. Also on-site are pingpong tables, ball machines, a fitness center, and other age-appropriate fun activities like arts, multi-sports, arts and crafts, and other engaging sporting events. The primary focus will be on developing tennis skills while offering other activities to enhance the learning and summer camp experience. Also offered are junior evening and weekend programs, as well as adult daytime, weekday evening, and weekend camps. Subject to change.

Ihope everyone has enjoyed their start to 2025 with lots of tennis despite the frigid temperatures outside! Eastern started the year off strong with a stellar Eastern Tennis Conference in Mount Kisco, New York.

The weekend was full of fun with tennis great John Isner hosting a number of sessions and panels throughout the weekend. Our very own adult league stars Lauren Norris, Gigi Banks and Linda Bracco got to shake hands and pose with the 6’10” champion for the awards that they won this year due to their continued support and love of the game. It was great to see all the winners and Long Island attendees throughout the weekend. I hope you enjoyed the event as much as I did!

Adult League Wrap-Up

By Becky Bellino

Other events going on this winter are the various invitationals that Long Island players of all ages and levels will be playing in. For the second year in a row, Lydia Eitel and Mona Giovanni’s 65+ 8.0 Women’s team from Syosset will be heading to the desert in Arizona to attempt to bring home the title.

Harish Khullar and Sam Lamba’s 65+ 8.0 Men’s team will join the women at the same tournament, and give it their best shot as well.

Good luck to these forever young athletes in their quest for the National Title!

Long Beach created Long Island’s first ever Men’s 5.0 Tri-Level team last year. A surprise to no one, they won the Sectional back in June of 2024 and are now heading to sunny southern California to play in

the 5.0 Tri-Level Invitational in early March. Long Beach continues to excel with their high level tennis players, and we thank them for representing Long Island at this elite level. Good luck in San Diego!

The last of the Invitational season is that of the 55+ Mixed Doubles. Dawn Schosberg and Jennifer Mao captained their 55+ 7.0 Mixed team to success last June and now they will travel to Scottsdale, AZ to participate in the tournament for this relatively new USTA Adult League. Good luck to our men and women making the trip.

As for current events, all mixed leagues are ongoing with playoffs around the corner for the 18 & Over Mixed. 2025 Tri-Level leagues are up and running as well which gets many of our players up and ready for the spring/summer season which will be shortly upon us.

Registration has begun for the upcoming USTA league season and will close at the end of February. We will have men’s and women’s teams for the 18 & Over League which has teams at the following levels: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. The 2.5 and 5.0 level matches consist of one court of singles and two courts of doubles. The matches for the remaining levels consist of two courts of singles and three courts of doubles.

We have the 40 & Over League

which has teams at the 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 levels. All matches for all levels consist of one court of singles and four courts of doubles. Both the 18 & Over and the 40 & Over leagues will begin in May and run through the beginning of August.

Lastly, we have the 55 & Over as well as the 65 & Over league which consists of three courts of doubles at the combined levels of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. Both of these leagues will begin in mid-June and run through late-August.

If anyone is looking to play on a team, please reach out to me at

Bellino@eastern.usta.com.

Dates to be aware of for Sectional Championships:

• May 30-June 1: 18 & Over Mixed Doubles (Location: Westchester, N.Y.)

• June 20-22: 4.0/3.5/3.0 & 5.0/4.5/4.0 Tri-level and 55 & Over Mixed Doubles (Location: TBD due to possible construction at Central Park courts in Schenectady, N.Y.)

• August 8-10: 18 & Over Adult & 40 & Over Adult (Levels/Location Assignment - TBD)

• August 15-17: 18 & Over Adult

& 40 & Over Adult (Levels/Location AssignmentTBD)

• September 12-14: 55 & Over Adult Leagues (Location: Schenectady, N.Y.)

• September 19-21: 40 & Over Mixed Doubles and 65 & Over Adult Leagues (Location: Schenectady, N.Y.)

Playoff and Regional dates for the men’s and women’s summer teams will be announced once schedules are completed in April.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the courts!

John Isner with Linda Bracco (left), Lauren Norris (middle), Gigi Banks (right)

This season I started teaching a fouryear-old boy named Gavin.

A private lesson for an entire hour is too long, but that’s what we have been doing.

It was supposed to be a half hour session for him, and then a half hour lesson for his mom, who I have been playing with for a few years. I never agreed to an hour lesson; it is complete insanity on so many levels. A mysterious ankle injury, however, has kept mom off the court, and away from the tennis club. Grandpa Bobby, a brilliant lawyer-mediator, is on duty, and proves himself an excellent ball picker-upper, doing so on a weekly basis.

Somehow, I feel sandbagged though. Was this all a ploy from the start for me to do an hour lesson with Gavin? Is the universe trying to teach me another lesson?

After the first session in September, I

Gavin Is My Truth Guru

By Tonny van de Pieterman

had a complete meltdown. I remember telling my colleague after the lesson: “I am never doing that again, it was waterboarding torture for every minute!”

That is not my standpoint anymore. I have matured; 20 weeks’ worth to be exact. We are now 20 lessons into our journey, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am learning a lot from Gavin, and I consider him my truth guru.

Recently, Gavin turned five-years-old, and since he is a grown-up kid now (his words), he will always be wearing his running-fast-shoes (again, his words).

Five-year-old kids are always right, naturally. Gavin is always right.

After his recent hilarious comment, I told him: “If you are a grown-up-kid, I must be a dinosaur!”

He disagreed. “No, he said, you are not a dinosaur, you are a Tennis Pro”.

Of course he was right, so I told him so.

“I know”, he said confidently, “I know more than my grandpa!”

I couldn’t wait for the next truth-bomb he was about to drop.

“Well, he teaches me all the stuff he knows, and I already know all my stuff, so that combined, I know more than him!”

“That makes sense”, I replied. You can’t argue with logic.

Tonny van de Pieterman is a tennis professional at Point Set Indoor Racquet Club in Oceanside, N.Y.. In his long coaching career, he was honored with the USTA Tennis Professional of the Year for the USTA Eastern Long Island Region. He may be reached by phone at (516) 536-2323 or e-mail Tonny@PointSetTennis.com.

Distribution scheduled for 05/01/25

This edition will feature:

• Tennis in the Hamptons

• Guide to the Top Court Builders & Manufacturers

• Junior Tennis Roundtable

• 2025 French Open Preview

• And Much More!

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In the Kitchen

An in-depth look at Pickleball on Long Island

Sold-Out LI Winter Pickleball Challenge Kicks Off 2025 Event Series

Long Island Tennis Magazine kicked off its 2025 Event Series with a soldout Pickleball Tournament at SPORTIME Kings Park. The Long Island Winter Pickleball Challenge brought nearly 70 players together for a great night of Pickleball competition and fun on and off the court.

The tournament featured four levels of play and players competed in group play rounds, which were followed by the knockout rounds in each respective division. During the evening, there was a festive atmosphere off the court despite the intense competition on it. Players

enjoyed pizza, snacks and a happy hour throughout this Saturday night event, helping to create the unmatched tournament experience the LITM Event Series has become known for.

“The LI Winter Pickleball Challenge was a success! We had a waiting list of players so it’s a great sign of what’s to come, as we head into a full season of events. Our team has run events for a long time and do so professionally. We know how to keep everything moving and keep the event in the promised time span, and the Winter Pickleball Challenge was a prime example of that.”

For Hunter Isnardi & Juliana Keenan, one of the highlights of the tournament was being able to play against new players.

The duo did more than just play against fresh competition, they won the Gold Medal in convincing fashion against Rebecca Torres / Rachel Aronoff in the Women’s 3.5 division.

“We made sure that if we made a mistake to just forget about it and move on,” said Keenan.“In the past we may have dwelled on losing a point, but you have to have that goldfish mentality and move on to the next point, and I think we did a good job of that tonight.”

Men’s 3.5 Gold Medal Winners Richard Nessim / Nick Gamerina

Men’s 4.0 Gold Medal Winners Miguel Cobbs / Luis Ludena

Women’s 3.5 Gold Medal Winners Hunter Isnardi / Juliana Keenan

Isnardi added:

“We play with the same group a lot so being able to expand beyond that and meet some new people was a great experience. We had so much fun, and we’ll be coming back next time for sure.”

In the Women’s 4.0 Division, the pairing of Jennifer Walsh & Corinne D’Andrea saved their best pickleball for last, playing a dominant match in the championship match to defeat Karen Willmont & Jaclyn Kramer 15-2 and bring home the Gold Medal.

We tried to keep our opponents moving side to side and opening up the center of the court to hit winners,” Walsh said of their strategy. “We’ve played a ton together, so our communication is good and that was key.”

Asked about their favorite part of the night, D’Andrea said: “Winning the Gold. With the margaritas being a close second.”

Last summer, Richard Nessim & Nick Gamerina teamed up at the Long Island June Pickleball Challenge.

“We played the one other tournament together, last summer, and won Gold, so we decided to come out here and give it another shot,” said Nessim.

The pairing would win this event as well, defeating Joe Burton & Steven Kozak to earn the title in the Men’s 3.5 Division.

“I think it was about being aggressive,” Gamerina said of their approach. “We can play as defensive players and just hit balls back, but it’s

important to dictate points, especially against good teams like the ones here today.”

In the Men’s 4.0 Division, Miguel Cobbs & Luis Ludena got off to a slow start, which resulted in them finishing fourth place in their division to be the final team to advance into the knockout rounds.

It was then that they found their groove advancing their way to the final where they defeated Brad Berger & Nelson Shin 1510 in the championship match.

“We learned our lesson and next time we’ll get here earlier so that we can have more practice before the tournament,” Ludena joked. “We started off very cold but were able to turn it around. I come from the tennis world so I was a little too pumped up and trying to hit everything too hard, but Miguel did a good job of calming me down.”

Cobbs added:

Full Results

Men’s 3.5

GOLD: Richard Nessim / Nick Gamerina

SILVER: Joe Burton / Steven Kozak

BRONZE: Kevin Stanis & Ryan Casserly

Men’s 4.0

GOLD: Miguel Cobbs / Luis Ludena

SILVER: Brad Berger / Nelson Shin

BRONZE: Rob Falvo / Anthony Diguiseppe

Women’s 3.5

GOLD: Hunter Isnardi / Juliana Keenan

SILVER: Rebecca Torres / Rachel Aronoff

BRONZE: Lisa Ciangetti / Jordan Leventhal

Women’s 4.0

GOLD: Jennifer Walsh / Corinne D’Andrea

SILVER: Karen Willmont / Jaclyn Kramer

BRONZE: Emilie Katz / Val Bogard

“The matches were a lot of fun, the people were great and it was a really high level of play. Winning the Gold was the best part of the night.”

The Long Island Winter Pickleball Challenge was the ideal way to get the 2025 Long Island Tennis Magazine Event Series going, and sets the stage for a great year of tournaments.

“Having gotten all positive feedback from the great group of players who joined us, we are excited for our next Pickleball Tournament,” Sickmen added. “We have at least four more planned for 2025, so be on the lookout for the announcement of our next event. I also want to thanks SPORTIME Kings Park for being a perfect host, my co-tournament director Michelle Stoerback for all of her hard work and preparation, and iPlayMe 2 for utilizing their software to showcase our tournament results.”

Women’s 4.0 Gold Medal Winners Jennifer Walsh / Corinne D’Andrea

Inside the Zone: What’s Your Secret Weapon?

By Rob Polishook

Motivation

is a key factor in the success of both recreational and professional pickleball players. Exploring and nurturing motivation is a key element to every player's growth, development, and success. Lasting motivation ultimately comes from within and is rooted in a player’s 'Big Why’ - a personal and powerful source of inner drive that is entirely within their control. The Big Why is like a “secret weapon”; just like a secret, it is quite personal. And, just like a weapon, it’s very powerful.

The “Big Why” refers to an individual player’s intrinsic reason for playing, which is not related to winning, losing or the outcome. Once this reason is identified, no matter what happens on the court - whether it be a big win, a devastating loss, an injury, or a disagreement with others, (note: these are all out of a players control) - the player can come back to their Big Why to reconnect to their true north. Making time to recognize and align with one's 'Big Why' is

crucial and can enhance a player's mental game in pickleball. It helps the player stay calm, centered, and mentally balanced.

Think of the Big Why as a rudder on a boat; it keeps the boat on the proper course. Similarly, it does the same for the pickleball player. No matter what happens during a game, the player’s

Big Why will always remain. Big Whys can help players take the focus off of the score, a bad shot, or even an annoying opponent. After a game, they can help players get back on course if they have lost their way. Whether you’re a tournament player or an everyday recreational player, living and playing according to your Big Why may require a shift in perspective. When things don’t go your way, you can come back to your core reason for playing, your Big Why. Admittedly, between drilling, game play and post play activities, one’s Big Why can seem stronger at certain times than others, and it can also seem a bit elusive, or even lost. However, the key is to remain true to your main reason for playing, no matter the situation.

So, what’s your Big Why? Why do you play pickleball? What’s your intrinsic reason for playing that has nothing to do with the outcome? It's different for everyone. For some, it’s the challenge of the game; for others, it’s the social aspect or the fitness benefits. Some players enjoy the

problem-solving aspect of the game. For me, Rob Polishook, the author, my Big Why for playing is the challenge of the game, specifically, the ongoing process of understanding the best way to play in different situations and with different opponents. Whether to dink or drive, to play soft or speed up - these are the challenges that keep me coming back for more. Another Big Why of mine is the synergy of playing with a partner. Together we find the best strategy, and work through obstacles, adversity, and successes. Lastly, it’s the process of striving to be my best, which includes balancing drilling, recreational play, and tournaments.

It’s important to take the time to

reflect on your "Big Whys" - the core underlying reasons you play pickleball. To do this, it's essential to be open, truthful, and honest with yourself. Perhaps, you will find that your focus has been all about winning, trying to prove yourself to others, or showing off your skills. This approach is not sustainable because we will all come against opponents who can beat us. Even the top players in the world experience losses. On the other hand, some players started playing Pickleball because it’s fun and adds a new dimension to their daily routines. But after a series of defeats, they may have lost sight of their Big Whys and become increasingly frustrated. Only

by recognizing this loss of focus and rededicating themselves to the activity’s fun factor, were they able to regain their motivation. Ultimately, identifying your Big Whys requires quiet reflection, but the reward is a stronger sense of purpose and motivation.

In summary, to achieve long-term success in Pickleball, it's essential to understand that motivation is not a fleeting feeling; it’s a quality that must be uncovered, developed and nurtured independent of external factors or other people. Motivation is not something that happens to you; it is something that comes from within when you know your Big Why.

The Education Of A Tennis Player

By Dr. Tom Ferraro

Inthe A Look At The Mental Side of Tennis (page 16), the first question asked was, “Do you think playing other sports in addition to tennis can help your players avoid stress/burnout?”

I want to expand on that question for a moment. I will suggest that learning other skills is crucially important if you expect to grow. Cross training is a good idea not only to avoid burnout and do reduce stress, but also in order to learn things.

Tennis and Football

Let’s take football as a sport you can learn from. In 2018 I published a piece in this magazine titled “Tennis Players Can Learn From Football Players” where I discussed what I learned from an NFL player, who told me the outcome of a football game is determined within the first three plays. When I asked how that was possible, he explained that during the first few plays the linesmen are sizing each other up and by the third play one linesman realizes that he will be able to dominate his opponent. As a result, he becomes more focused, determined, confident and willful. Conversely, if he sensed his opponent is stronger and faster, than his willpower will be diminished and he and his team are headed towards a loss.

Tennis players can learn from this. It suggests that the first three points in any tennis match will have a big impact on the outcome. One player will quickly feel empowered and the other will feel weakened and diminished. This means that one ought to warm up well and display extreme focus, intensity and fortitude on the first three points. This establishes momentum and confidence. And then the player must maintain that attitude throughout the match.

Tennis and Literature

Tennis players can learn from any number of arenas. They can even learn about how to win at tennis by reading Virginia Woolf, one of history’s greatest writers. Her essay “A Room of One’s Own” is a foundational work of feminism. A lesser known essay by her is, “Professions for Women” where she outlines the most important approach to take for women hoping to succeed in any profession. She said the most crucial approach is to kill off any hint of feminine kindness, niceness, empathy, sympathy or sweetness. She referred to this as “killing the angel of the house” a popular term used in Victorian England to proscribe the way women were to act. Woolf believed that the feminine mandate to be sweet, sacrificial and kind must be demolished if you are to succeed. In other words, one has to tap into your selfish aggression to win. I call this approach “identification with the aggressor” and I describe this trait in detail in my last book on “The Athlete and Their Mechanisms of Defense.”

This approach is useful for both men

and women and suggests that winners must be aggressive, selfish and ruthless. They must use all of their focused aggression to defeat the opponent.

How a visual artist can teach you how to get into the zone

A tennis player can also learn to win by modeling the character of Jasper Johns, one of America’s greatest living artists. From an early age Jasper Johns trained himself never to a think about the future, never to get ahead of himself, never to fantasize about a pleasant future occurrence. In other words he unwittingly trained himself to never to go beyond the present moment. He may have learned this because he experienced lots of disappointment in his childhood but he adapted to these things traumas in such a manner that he became a truly successful and wealthy American artist. One could say that he was able to enter the zone, the blank minded focused place where one stays in the present and does not get ahead of yourself in the match. This trait is crucial when you are in the lead. Many tennis players begin to see the end in sight and lose focus, get tight and get defensive in strategy. And when that happens, momentum changes quickly and the lead slips away. The tennis player needs to be just like Jasper Johns and learn to live only in the present, with no past and no future. Just the next stroke of the brush or stroke of the racket.

So you see, there are many ways to grow and learn if you play tennis. Playing another sport, reading another book or even looking at a painting can all teach you more than you would ever think.

There are many ways to learn how to win

Maybe I don’t get it because I never reached Grand Slam player status, but it’s just so cringe.

I was watching the runner-up speech from Aryna Sabalenka after losing in the finals of the Australian Open to Madison Keys. Sabalenka made a joke addressing her personal “box” of supporters about how now that she lost she is now mad at them, doesn’t want to see them for a week and in her words “thanks for blah, blah, blah….”

As they say, there is sometimes truth in jokes.

This isn’t a hate piece on Sabalenka. She is one of my favorite players and it is always refreshing to see a pro tennis player show personality instead of giving boring canned responses. And she showed humor and intelligence in calling it out with the thanks for blah, blah, blah part.

The part that is cringe though is the whole concept that if a tennis player is a dog taking a walk, their box is a fire hydrant. When Jalen Brunson misses a free-throw, does he look at Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and hold his hands out to his sides? When Saquon Barkley fumbles the football does he go to the sideline yelling at his coach? When the ball went through Bill Buckner’s legs in 1986, did Buckner say he doesn’t want to talk to the coaching staff for a week because he was injured and should not have been out there?

Of course not. Top athletes are wired from an early age to take

Shooting From The Hip About Player Entourages at Both The Pro and Junior Levels

By Ricky Becker

Characteristics of Does Yelling At Your Spoiled People Box Exhibit This

EntitlementYes

Lack of gratitudeYes

Are sore losersYes

Lack of responsibility Yes

Difficulty compromisingNot really

Temper TantrumsYes

Difficulty accepting responsibilityYes

Difficulty handling criticismNot during match, unknown off the court

Poor coping skillsOther than yelling at box, elite tennis players definitely have good coping skills

Demanding constant attentionSoft yes

Lack of disciplineNot at that level. Among the most disciplined athletes in the world

OverprotectedDefinitely, and by the people who are getting yelled at

Self-CenterednessYes

personal responsibility for their outcomes. How did tennis get to this point where players vent or yell at their boxes when they start losing?

Andy Murray was the first one that I remember doing it, then Novak Djokovic, then Nick Krygios, Coco Gauff, Bernard Tomic and others. It’s certainly not everybody but it’s definitely much more common in tennis than any other sport. And nothing is more forward-facing to the general public of tennis players

self-centeredness than this. The disrespecting of one’s owns supporters may drive sports fans and tennis casual fans away. I like watching other professional sports more than our great sport of tennis, and every time I see players do this, it partially reminds me why. From being on the tour in a limited basis and seeing this behavior it just feeds my notion that pro tennis players play solely for themselves, which I of course did too when I

was playing college or high school tennis. I wondered why someone outside my family would really root for me if I wasn’t part of a team. I played for myself.

This might be the case in team sports but with players on teams representing cities, it gives the impression that they are playing for something bigger than themselves even if they are not. When a New York Islanders player in an on-ice post game interview thanks the fans or says we have the best fans, it feels better. Maybe because I just don’t know enough. But when a pro tennis player thanks the fans after a match for coming it feels like that is just a PR move and they were coached to say this. This part I feel surer about as I have been reminded to thank the fans in events I played in before.

In preparation for this article I did an internet search on why players yell and talk about their box in

derision. The only answer was the one I was expecting. It lets off steam and is a release for the players. Fair enough, but what happened to the good old days of players yelling at themselves or even banging their racquet. I even liked when lines were called by umpires, and players disagreed and would lose their tempers at the umpires and linesmen. That showed personality and made it easier to pick a player to root for. Sometimes it was for the person who got screwed by the

umpire and sometimes it was against if they overreacted but it got me into the match. Now when I see a player treat their supporters like garbage it just reminds me they are self-centered so I hope they lose, but it certainly won’t change my life either way.

Hopefully nobody goes atomic and brings out their inner Ivan Drago by picking up a governmental official by the neck and pointing to his supporters, “I fight to win for me! For me!” He went on to get knocked out shortly thereafter.

Ricky Becker is The Director of Tennis at the prestigious Glen Oaks Club and independently coaches high-performance juniors year-round at Bethpage State Park. As a player, Becker was ranked number four in the United States in the 18-and-unders and awarded Most Valuable Player for the 1996 NCAA Championship Stanford Tennis Team and 1989-1992 Roslyn High School Teams. If you have any topics you would like written about, he can be reached at rbecker06@yahoo.com

Tennis and the Piano How Musical Training Can Sharpen Your Game

By Chris Lewit

Tennisand the piano may seem worlds apart, but the link between the two is stronger than you might think. Over the years, as I’ve coached numerous young tennis champions—including national and international standouts—one surprising trend I’ve noticed is how many of these prodigies played the piano as part of their upbringing. At first, I chalked it up to coincidence, but as I delved deeper, the connection became clear. The skills required to master the piano—fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, proprioception, and even mental discipline—translate beautifully to the tennis court.

In fact, incorporating piano exercises into a tennis player’s training regimen can unlock a whole new level of performance, enhancing both physical and mental aspects of the game. Let’s explore how these seemingly unrelated activities intersect and how players at any level can benefit from the crossover.

The Physical Connection: Fine Motor Control and Proprioception

Tennis is a game of precision, requiring players to adjust their grip, angle, and pressure on the racquet within milliseconds. Similarly, playing the piano demands exceptional fine motor control, where each finger must move independently with the right amount of pressure and timing.

Through piano exercises, players can develop:

• Finger Independence: The ability to isolate and control each finger—a skill that directly enhances grip adjustments and shot variety in tennis.

• Proprioception: Piano playing hones an acute awareness of where your fingers and hands are in space without relying on visual input, a vital skill for refining volleying and touch shots.

• Coordination: As piano players often manage different rhythms and movements between the left and right hands, this ambidexterity mirrors the dual-handed coordination required in tennis strokes and footwork.

Mental Benefits: Focus and Pattern Recognition

Piano training isn’t just physical; it’s a mental workout, too. The cognitive demands of reading music, memorizing patterns, and executing them flawlessly under pressure build mental resilience and focus. These skills are invaluable on the tennis court, especially when anticipating an opponent’s moves or strategizing during a match.

Additionally, piano players are accustomed to practicing repetitive drills to perfect a piece, fostering a level of discipline that translates directly to tennis training. Learning scales on the piano feels remarkably similar to perfecting forehands or serves: focused repetition leads to mastery.

Why Some of the Best Players Played Piano

The crossover benefits of piano training aren’t just theoretical. Many of the young champions I’ve coached have credited their musical background for sharpening their game. These players often excelled in areas like timing, rhythm, and composure under pressure. Whether they were mastering a Chopin étude or preparing for a high-stakes match, they developed a similar approach to practice and performance: a blend of creativity, technical precision, and mental toughness.

Practical Applications:

How Piano Exercises Can Help Tennis Players

Even if you’ve never touched a piano,

incorporating piano-inspired exercises into your routine can yield surprising benefits. Here is a sample of practical ways to apply these principles:

1. Finger Dexterity Drills

• Exercise: Place your hand on a flat surface and lift one finger at a time while keeping the others steady. Start with your thumb and work through to your pinky.

• Tennis Benefit: Builds finger independence for more precise grip adjustments during strokes.

2. Rhythmic Patterns

• Exercise: Practice tapping your right hand in a steady rhythm while alternating irregular patterns with your left (e.g., 3 beats in the right hand for every 2 beats in the left).

• Tennis Benefit: Enhances coordination and mental focus for reacting to unpredictable ball patterns.

3. Pressure Sensitivity Training

• Exercise: On a piano or keyboard, play a single note repeatedly, starting softly and gradually increasing pressure to make the sound louder. Then reverse the pattern.

• Tennis Benefit: Teaches control over force application, critical for finesse shots like drop volleys and lobs.

Stretching and Strengthening Routine for Tennis Players

Inspired

by Piano Techniques

Stretches

1. Finger and Hand Stretch

• Extend one hand forward, palm up. Use the other hand to gently pull back on the fingers, stretching the wrist and fingers. Hold for 15–30 seconds per hand.

• Why It Works: Increases flexibility for better racquet grip and reach.

2. Thumb Stretch

• Place your palm on a flat surface and gently press the thumb away from the fingers. Hold for 10–20 seconds.

• Why It Works: Improves thumb mobility, crucial for grip control.

3. Wrist Flexor Stretch

• With your arm extended in front of you, palm facing down, use your opposite hand to pull your fingers downward toward the ground. Hold for 15–30 seconds.

• Why It Works: Reduces tension in the forearms, preventing overuse injuries from repetitive strokes.

Strengthening Exercises

1. Rubber Band Resistance

• Wrap a rubber band around your fingers and thumb. Slowly open and close your hand against the resistance.

• Why It Works: Strengthens the small hand muscles for better racquet stability.

2. Ball Squeeze

• Use a stress ball or tennis ball. Squeeze and hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times per hand.

• Why It Works: Improves grip strength, which translates to more powerful strokes.

3. Isometric Holds

• Place your hand flat on a table and press one finger at a time into the surface, holding for 5 seconds.

• Why It Works: Develops finger strength and endurance, essential for maintaining control during long matches.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring junior, the piano offers a surprising source of inspiration for tennis training. By adopting stretches, strengthening exercises, and mental practices inspired by music, players can improve their dexterity, focus, and overall performance. If you’re already playing piano, keep at it—your time at the keyboard is building skills that will serve you on the court. And if you’re not, it’s never too late to start incorporating these elements into your training.

After all, just like in music, mastering tennis is about finding the perfect balance of precision, rhythm, and artistry. So why not let the piano be your secret weapon?

Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, educator and author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, and a new technique book, Winning Pretty, which will be published in 2025. Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Second Edition will be published in September 2024. As a coach, he has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp program, as well as bespoke high performance training for all ages and levels, all at his club in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. Contact Chris directly by phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.

court 6

Sinner Handed Three-Month Suspension

World number one Jannik Sinner has been suspended from the ATP Tour for three months after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. The case came after Sinner failed two tests back in 2024, and is retroactive to February 9.

The three-time major champion will be eligible to return in early May.

“This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner said in a statement. “I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA's strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted WADA's offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3-month sanction.”

Halep Announces Retirement, Plays Final Tournament in Romania

Simona Halep, the two-time major champion, announced her retirement from professional tennis earlier this winter. Halep, 33, played her final tournament in her native Romania, losing in the opening round of the event, and had been attempting a comeback to the tour following a doping suspension and ensuing injuries. Halep won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019.

Long Island Tennis Magazine’s Gossip Column

By Emilie Katz

Andreeva Touts Sports Psychologist

Young phenom Mirra Andreeva has recently talked about seeing a sports psychologist, and how that has helped elevate her game. Andreeva, 17, said her coach suggested the idea of seeing someone to help with anger and doubts, and the Russian teenager added:

“We started not a long time ago,” she said. “I feel like it's been helping me a lot.

“I have some new tips. I have some new advice on how to work on my anger inside, what to do when I don't feel great, how to maintain my level when I feel great, how to keep being me.”

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, with Andreeva winning the title in Dubai in late February, the biggest title of her career which pushed her into the Top 10.

US Tennis Participation Hits Record High

In the latest data published by third-party research firms, the USTA today confirmed that tennis participation in the United States has surged to a new high of 25.7 million players following five consecutive years of growth.

The nearly two million player increase from 2023 (up 1.9 million from 23.8 million) marks a significant acceleration in excess of eight percent growth. One in every 12 Americans played tennis in 2024 – the highest proportion on record. This exceeds the five-year average ratio of one in 16 Americans. In an increasingly competitive sports and recreation environment, this expansion demonstrates tennis’ broadening appeal and strengthening position in the U.S.